FRANCE FIRM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23220, 14 December 1938, Page 15

FRANCE FIRM

RIGHTS JN TUNIS ITALY WARNED PROTECTION BY FORCE PREMIER'S BLUNTNESS By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Heceived December 14, 12.10 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 13 French newspapers strongly warn ItfJy of the inviolability of Tunis and declare that France will immediately fight for it. Excelsior stotes : "Signor Mussolini is mistaken if he thinks he can repeat German methods in the Mediterranean. He should read the English newspapers for confirmation of this." There is reason for believing that the Prime Minister, M. Daladier, with characteristic bluntness, informed the German Foreign Minister, Horr von Ribhentrop, that he could tell his Italian friends that France would fight without hesitation if an inch of her Empire were threatened. An Italian, alleged to be a member of the Fascist Party, has been charged with setting fire to the Italian social centre, says a message from Tunis. The Daily Telegraph's Rome correspondent says Signor Mussolini is expected to make an important speech on the international situation when he visits the island of Sardinia on Sunday to inaugurate the mining township of Carbonia, which has been built around the newly-organised .lignite mines. Iu some quarters it is believed he will outline Italy's claims against France.

ATTITUDE OF BRITAIN CLAIMS OF ITALIANS PUBLIC NOT INFORMED SECRECY OF MUSSOLINI Times Cable LONDON, Dec. 12 The British Government's view that the Italian claims to Tunas and Corsica are contrary to the Halo-British agreement. has not yet. been made clear to the Italian public, says the Borne correspondent of the Times. Moreover, Mr. Chamberlain's disclosure in the House of Commons that the Foreign Minister, Count Ciano, disavowed responsibility for the demonstrations in the Chamber of Deputies is still not published in the newspapers. As a result the impression ts that the Italian Government is identified with the claims. Th us confident expectation has been created on. false premises, which it will be difficult for Signor Mussolini lo neglect without loss of prestige. The people feel that, Germany on several occasions having secured nil she wanted without war, Italy ought to be able to use the same tactics effectively.

This constitutes a serious danger. British feeling and intentions should be clarified both to th'e Italian Government and to the people, states the correspondent.