OLIVE BRANCH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22412, 7 May 1936, Page 11

OLIVE BRANCH

IL DUCE TO WORLD ITALY NOW SATISFIED VICTORY IN AFRICA INTERESTS OP BRITAIN NO SINISTER DESIGNS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received May 6, 5.35 p.m.) LONDON. May 5 The special correspondent of the Daily Mail, Mr. G. Ward Price, says he interviewed Signor Mussolini after the entry of the Italian troops to Addis Ababa. II Duce said: "My policy never has planned and does not plan any harm whatsoever to the interests of the British Empire. Italy has not the remotest hankering after Egypt. Her victory in Abyssinia puts her in the group of satisfied Powers. "I give you my word that we have not any further colonial ambitions. Henceforth, 'wo will become sound Conservatives and turn our attention to Europe. Reform of the League Now Urgent "Events make the urgency of the reform of the League of Nations pressing. Italy is prepared to help. It is my conviction that the League can and must continue, but its spirit must be adapted to the needs of the respective nations. "Italy is obliged to view the reoecupation of the Rhineland by Germany with reserve owing to sanctions. She is ready now to help in bringing about a frank and definite understanding between the great Powers in Europe. "If these Powers go to war the whole of European civilisation will crash." Signor Mussolini declined to disclose his plans for the settlement of Abyssinia, saying: "Who is left to make peace, now the Emperor has gone? It seems best in the interests of all concerned rapidly to establish Italian authority throughout Abyssinia. No Exploitation of Abyssinia "Anyone who suggests that Italy means to exploit tho Abyssinians is talking nonsense. On the contrary we have already established markets and hospitals. "The fact that the Abyssinians rose against the Emperor and welcomed the advance of our troops was an act of self-determination in favour of Italian rule. The peace cannot be a lame one. We mean to settle the Abyssinian problem once for all. "We shall not shut the door against the economic enterprise of friendly countries." Asked whether this included Britain and France, Signor Mussolini tersely replied: "They certainly are included." No Interest in Sudan or Egypt II Duce added: "The world would be surprised to know our real financial strength. The sacrifices I demanded involved only a few minor hardships like cutting down meat." II Duce reiterated his allegations of Abyssinian atrocities and denied that British ambulances had been deliberately bombed. He repeated that Italy had no political interest in the Sudan or Palestine and regarded Egypt as independent of the Mediterranean. Ready to Confirm Statements "What more can I do or say," remarked Signor Mussolini. " I am ready to confirm what I have said in any form that may be required." Signor Suvich, Foreign Under-Secre-tary, and Signor Allieri, acting Minister of Propaganda, were present at the interview. . Mr. Price says he considers that, though he has seen II Duce 20 times in the 14 years he has been in power, lie never found him calmer or more reasonable. He was especially earnest and sincere when he laid stress on his desire for friendly relations with Britain. Mr. Price adds: "Personally, I consider that Signor Mussolini will do nothing rash or headstrong." VICTIM OF WAR FAILURE TO PROTECT EFFECT ON LEAGUE STATES LONDON, May 5 It is not believed in London that the failure of the League to protect a weak victim will result in many resignations by other small States, though it is possible that some South American States may withdraw.