TALKS IN ROME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23000, 30 March 1938, Page 13

TALKS IN ROME

ACCORD WITH BRITAIN MUSSOLINI'S ANXIETY SUSPICIONS OF HITLER By telegraph —Press Association—Copyright LONDON, March 28 It is understood that Signor Mussolini is prepared to go further in the negotiations with Britain than at first seemed likely, says the Australian Associated Press, and there is every likelihood of an accord much more substantial than a mere clearing of suspicions. A formula has been prepared involving undertakings in Spain, Egypt, Palestine, Arabia, the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Britain will be required to notify Italy of her defences in Palestine and the Bed Sea islands and to recognise the Abyssinian conquest, and 11 Duce will be required to withdraw his troops from Spain and evacuate them from the Balearirs. Apparently Herr Hitler's Austrian eoup and the arrival of Germans at the ' Brenner Pass have increased Signor Mussolini's desire for a comprehensive agreement with Britain before Herr Hitler's visit to Rome. 11 Duce believes an agreement will enable Italy to exert wider influence throughout Europe, especially in Yugoslavia and Hungary. Evidently the Italians suspect that Herr Hitler primarily evolved the Rome-Berlin axis to ensure that Italy would not interfere in Austria and now they fear Herr Hitler will pay little hood to the axis. 11 Duce, therefore, is anxious to withdraw iiis troops from Spain and transfer them to the Brenner Pass.