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ITALY'S DESIGNS

DALADIER ANXIOUS PROBLEMS FOR SOLUTION INTERVENTION QUESTION LONDON, Jan. 19 The French Premier, M. Daladier, in common with Britain, opposes intervention in Spain, but he is faced with: (1) A unanimous resolution from the executive of the Radical Party concerninn the danger to France of an Italian victory in Spain. (M. Daladier is a member of the Radical-Socialist Party.) (2) An outcry, not only on the Left, but among important sections of the Right, as the result of the Spanish situation. (3) The serious view taken by the French General Staff of Italy's strategic designs. Italian Press Utters Dire Threat It is obvious that the Italians are desperately afraid of French intervention. The journal, Diplomatic Information, in an article believed to have been written by Signor Mussolini, says, in effect, that if France helps the Spanish Government there will bo "massive Italian intervention on behalf of General Franco."

All to-day's Italian papers sine the same tune, asserting that FrencV. intervention will "have most catastrophic consequences, and not only for Dr. Negrin, Republican Premier." The Italians now imply that the situation in the Mediterranean, including Signor Mussolini's status quo assurances to Mr. Chamberlain, would clearl.v be altered in the event of French intervention in Spain. Concern Felt in London There is no doubt that the rapid evolution in French policy disturbs responsible quarters in London, from which pressure continues on M. Daladicr to maintain French non-interven-tion. It may be recalled that whenever the French have hitherto contemplated intervention in Spain, they have withdrawn at the last minute. However, as the Times points out, "Tho French, who have not always understood Spanish psychology, fear that the defeat of the Republicans would involve Spain in political vassalage to Italy." Germany sees in the situation another opportunity to pursue her policy of driving a wedge between Britain and Frauce. Hence, the German papers warn France, that, if she assists the Republicans, she will endanger the results of the conversations between S v ignor Mussolini and Mr. Chamberlain, i because Mr. Chamberlain desir®* ® n Italo-French settlement. J

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19390131.2.73

Bibliographic details

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23259, 31 January 1939, Page 9

Word Count
344

ITALY'S DESIGNS New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23259, 31 January 1939, Page 9

ITALY'S DESIGNS New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23259, 31 January 1939, Page 9