BRITISH MOVE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22574, 12 November 1936, Page 13

BRITISH MOVE

NOTE TO ROME THE MEDITERRANEAN UNDERSTANDING SOUGHT AUYSSINIAN QUESTION By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received November 11. 10.25 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 11 The diplomatic correspondent of the Daily Mail says it is understood (hat the British Government, through its Ambassador in Pome, Sir Eric Drummond, has submitted to Signor Mussolini definite proposals for a Mediterranean understanding between Britain and Italy. The basis proposed is the maintenance of the present relative strengths of the two navies in the Mediterranean. It also includes written guarantees regarding the respective spheres of interests in that sea. The negotiations are expected to be protracted, however, as it is stated that the problem of the recognition of Italy's Abyssinian Empire must be settled before there can be co-operation on wider questions. Signor Mussolini is understood to have privately assured the British Government of his intense desire for an understanding with Britain and for receiving; reciprocal assurances.