BRITISH MINISTERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21907, 20 March 1933, Page 7

BRITISH MINISTERS

A VISIT TO ROME MEETING SIGNOR MUSSOLINI (British Official Wireless.) (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph —Copyright.) RUGBY, March 17. Mr MacDonald and Sir John Simon, who leave Geneva accompanied by Miss Ishbel MacDonald late to-night, will be met by the Italian Air Minister (Signor Balbo), who himself will pilot the aircraft in which Mr MacDonald and his daughter will be carried to the Ostra seaplane base. An Italian force escort will attend throughout the flight. The greater part of Sunday will be devoted to conversations on current questions between Signor Mussolini and Mr MacDonald. At night the Ministers will be the guests of the head of the Italian Government at a dinner. On his return journey on Monday Mr MacDonald will make a brief stay in Paris where he will meet M. Daladier, who, with M. Boncour, was to-day engaged in a discussion on disarmament with Mr MacDonald and Sir John Simon. LONDON, March 18. (Received March 19, at 7.15 p.m.) An official wireless message states that Mr MacDonald and. Sir John Simon reached Ostia by seaplane, piloted by M. Balboni, where they were cordially received by the Italian Government. They began conversations which will continue over the week-end. The British Ministers were the principal guests at an official dinner. They will lunch with the King to-morrow. It is anticipated that they will depart by air to-morrow. A DRAMATIC MEETING. PREMIER AND FASCIST LEADER. DISARMAMENT PROPOSALS DISCUSSED. LONDON, March 19. (Received March 19, at 11 p.m.) It was a dramatic moment when the Fascist leader and the British Prime Minister for the first time came face to face. After a quick glance they shook hands. Signor Mussolini wore a silk hat and a morning dress, and Mr MacDonald a brown suit. The latter looked tired. Miss Ishbel MacDonald was overwhelmed with flowers. Two cars brought the British party to the Embassy, where a luncheon followed a drive round the city, visiting St. Peters and the Protestant cemetery, with the graves of the poets Shelley and Keats. Meanwhile Signor Mussolini had a remarkable reception on entering the Chamber of Deputies, the House rising and cheerihg. The first fateful talk began at the Palazzo Venezia, at 7.30 p.m., and lasted until 10 p.m. No communique was issued. It is understood that Mr MacDonald explained fully the disarmament proposals which so far have been published only briefly in Italy. A banquet helped the length of the conference. Hailstones were pelting down as the 110 guests entered the palace. The band played Scottish airs in Mr MacDonald’s honour. Signor Mussolini rose and said, “Raise glasses to the health of the King and Queen of England,” and the band played the National Anthem. Mr MacDonald rose and replied, “Raise glasses to the health of the King, and Queen of Italy.” These were the only speeches. Thereafter, Mr MacDonald conversed with the Finance Minister and other guests. Signor Mussolini and Sir John Simon retired to a corner and continued a lowtoned conversation till long after Mr MacDonald had left. The talks will be continued on Sunday. It is probable that visits will be made to the Fascist Exhibition and to the Pope, after which the visitors will have luncheon with the King and Queen and dinner at the British Embassy.