PACT WITH ITALY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22619, 6 January 1937, Page 9

PACT WITH ITALY

THE MEDITERRANEAN LONDON PRESS CRITICAL VOLUNTEERS TO AID REBELS j By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Britibh Wireless RUOBY, Jail. 1 The Times, in commenting on the declaration by Britain and Italy in regard to the Mediterranean, says the tension which the negotiators have successfully sought to relieve was not of British creation. It is well that the tension should lie ended; let it he ended realistically and without empty recriminations, I hut with a clear and accurate memory of how it arose. The agreement with Rome buries the past. in referring to the exchange of Notes, and particularly to tho specific allusion to Spain, the Times says: The new Italian assurance deserves special welcome because it definitely broadens the base on which non-intervention can work constructively. The Morning Post says: Diplomatic history in recent years can record lew acts deserving of such unqualified congratulation as tho agreement signed between Italy and Britain. Isy this instrument an ancient friendship is restored, which should never have been broken. Territorial Ambition Disavowed The Daily Telegraph says: The Italian disavowal of any territorial ambition in regard to Spain should prove a help to negotiations, which daily grow more urgent as dangerous incidents strain tempers and lead to reprisals. The situation is one in which tho Powers must act in concert if at all. The News Chronicle says: It is a startling and deplorable fact that on the very day on which the agreement is published there should come from Spain news that 6000 more Italian "volunteers" have landed at Cadiz and have proceeded to the assistance of General Franco. In-so-far as the document indicates a real willingness on tho part of Signor Mussolini to co-operate in working for peace in Europe, it is no doubt to be welcomed, continues the journal, but how is it possible to believe that, when the only practical evidence available on the point is the landing of more Italian volunteers in Spain? Protestations and Reality The Daily Herald is critical of the agreement. There is little enough connection, it says, between the protesta» tions of the new pact and the realities of Italian policy, and the professions of goodwill and friendship toward this country are the merest humbug. Deeds are more important than words. Tho newspaper also makes the point that the publication of tho terms of the accord coincides with tho arrival in Spain of a further strong contingent of Italian volunteers. It adds: It is true enough that at the moment there is no international agreement for the prohibition of sending volunteers to Spain, but it is equally true that a proposal for such prohibition has been put forward by Britain and France, and is being examined by the German and Italian Governments.