THE ANGLO-ITALIAN PACT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23088, 13 July 1938, Page 12

THE ANGLO-ITALIAN PACT

Delay in constructing and work- j ing a practicable scheme of nonintervention in Spain may prejudicially affect the Anglo-Italian pact. Mr. Chamberlain has wisely insisted that Italy shall accept and apply such a scheme as a condition of this bilateral agreement, but the fact that the scheme tarries is being used by a number of extreme Fascists, highly placed in Italy, to serve their wish to see the pact denounced. They argue that it is beneath Italy's dignity to await any longer Britain's approval of Italian action in Spain. It is not surprising that they are urging Signor Mussolini to put an end to the pact. On his part Signor Mussolini is understood to cherish a hope that Mr. Chamberlain will find a way for the operation of the pact without fulfilment of the nonintervention proviso. This means, in plain English, the continuance of Italian meddling in Spain while Britain and Italy remain on good torms ; and it would amount to an abject surrender by Britain to Italy on the crucial point of the understanding. Equally weak and wrong would it be to condone any subterfuge by which, as the Spanish Government is said to fear, the withdrawal of Italian forces would be only nominally effected. Any Italian obstinacy or trickery in this matter should be met with firmness. The pact would become ridiculous were the British Government now to give way. There, in a precarious position, the pact remains at the moment. How long this conflict of purposes will last cannot be said. Fortunately, the publication of the British White Piiper outlining a definite proposal for the withdrawal of foreign combatants has occurred opportunely. It will provide a test for Signor Mussolini's sincerity just as fully as it exhibits Mr. Chamberlain's determination to promote, by all reasonable means, an end of foreign interference.