PEACE OF EUROPE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19615, 20 October 1925, Page 9

PEACE OF EUROPE

THE LOCARNO AGREEMENT. FRANCO-GERMAN GRATIFICATION. Pros. Association —By Telegraph—Copyright

PARIS, October 18. The change in European mentality wrought by the Locarno Conference is reflected in tho newspaper editorials, which"' are almost unanimous in paying tributes to the German ■ statesmen, whose intelligence and courage contributed to the success of the conference.

The papers also express satisfaction at the conclusion of the Pact. The Petit Parisian claims that the Rhine frontier is guaranteed. Le Matin says: “For tho first time since the Treaty of Versailles we can breathe freely.” A message from Berlin says: The Vossicho Zeitung remarks that the guarantee of peace afforded by the treaties marks a great step forward. The Berliner Tageblalt says that the success of the conference depends on whether deeds follow promises. The agreement reacted on the Berlin Stock Exchange, causing a great advance in prices.—A. and N.Z, and Reuter Cables. SIGNOR MUSSOLINI. BOYCOTTED BY PRESSMEN. PROTEST AGAINST SUPPRESSIVE MEASURES. LONDON, October 18. There was a remarkable incident at the Locarno Conference when Signor Mussolini was openly boycotted by practically the whole body of the newspaper representatives as a protest against the suppression of the press in Italy. Ihe Daily Herald’s correspondent, whose account is confirmed from other sources, says that the movement which was initiated by a Socialist correspondent, spread rapidly, and as a result when Signor Mussolini entered the room at the Grand Hotel for a conference with the press only the Fascists and a few press representatives followed him, over luo remaining outside. After the conference Signor Mussolini, walking across the hall, confronted the Daily Herald correspondent, and said cynically : “Is Communism going strong . The Correspondent; I cannot say. Signor Mussolini: Why not? Because I am not a Communist. _ Signor Mussolini: Then I was misCorrespondent : Yes; you were misa Dutch correspondent interposed: "That often happens to you, Signor Mussolini,’’ whereupon the dictator turned on his heel and quitted the hail. The British correspondents unanimously took part in the boycott. There was a similar incident on the previous Thursday, when Signor Mussolini was not invited to the press luncheon, at which other Ministers were guests.— A. and N.Z. Cable, ■RETURN OF GERMAN DELEGATION. BRITISH CONGRATULATIONS. BERLIN, October 18. (Received October 19, at 7.15 p.m.) Lord d’Abemon, the British Ambassador, greeting the German delegation on its return from Locarno, congratulated the members ou behalf of Mr Chamberlain, who, ho said, would always remember their spirit of sincerity and frankness. He added that the honour of taking the initiative in the course of action which resulted in the treaty belonged to the German Government. The Locarno agreements marked a turning point in the history of Europe.—Reuter.