FRANCE AND ITALY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22000, 5 January 1935, Page 9

FRANCE AND ITALY

PENDING PARLEYS

OPTIMISM IN BRITAIN

SPECULATION ON OUTCOME

EUROPEAN PACT PLAN

By Telegraph—Press Association—.Copyricht British Wireless RUGBY, Jan. 3

British newspapers continue to comment hopefully on the probable outcome of M. Laval's visit to Signor Mussolini. The terms upon which the French and Italian Ministers are seeking a settlement of the various issues which for so long have been outstanding between them have not been made known with any precision. The same applies for the time being to the wider "non-interference agreement" projected between a number of European Powers. The newspapers do not fail to point out that the success of the conversations must help to pave the wa.v for an approach to the armament issue. It is stated that Franco-Italian colonial questions which have been outstanding sincd the war and have been narrowed down/' to relatively minor issues during diplomatic exchanges will form one subject of the conversations, as well as work on the projected multilateral pact sponsored by France and Italy for guarantee]!:;: Austrian integrity. The prospect of this is regarded as being notably advanced by M. Laval's decision to undertake the visit. The Times says in regard to Austria it seems probable that in its final form the agreement will relate chiefly to non-interference in internal affairs of a neighbouring country and to common action against international terrorists. The British Foreign Office announces that on the occasion of his conversations in Paris on December 22 with the French Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, MM. Flandin and Laval, on the European situation, the British Foreign Secretary, Sir John Simon, expressed the hope that the* conversations could be renewed in London at an early date. Owing to pressure of time it has been found necessary to postpone the visit of the French Ministers, which will take place as soon as possible after the sitting of the Council of the League of Nations on January 11. M. LAVAL'S MISSION INTERESTS OF PEACE HIGH AIMS EXPLAINED British Wireless RUGBY, Jan. 3 Before M. Laval left for Rome he gave an interview with foreign press correspondents. He is reported to have said: "The negotiations we have been conducting have been very delicate, but they have always been carried on with the greatest, cordiality. " The task which Signor Mussolini and I are taking in hand is not alone concerned with our two countries. Its aim is higher. It is not merely to establish a closer and more solid and unshakable friendship between Italy and France, but to put that common friendship at the service of world peace. "I shall defend the interests of France and Signor Mussolini will defend the interests of Italy, but as we have the same comprehension of the grave questions we are facing we shall both defend the interests of universal peace. These sentiments I know are shared by all those countries with whose representatives we have discussed our work. They have all the same appreciation of the responsibility which lies upon our shoulders. " I am convinced that the task which I am endeavouring to accomplish with Signor Mussolini will lead us to a rapprochement with all those whose collaboration is indispensable to the safeguarding of the peace of Europe and the world."