THE MEDITERRANEAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23080, 5 January 1937, Page 6

THE MEDITERRANEAN

The conclusion of an agreement between Great Britain and Italy respecting the Mediterranean represents the outcome of negotiations which were set in train some weeks ago. At the beginning of November Signor Mussolini made, in the course of a speech at Milan, what was interpreted as an appeal for an Anglo-Italian understanding respecting the Mediterranean. He spoke of the need for a clear, rapid and complete understanding en the basis of reciprocal interests. The British Government being prepared to meet the suggestion in an amicable spirit, discussions have taken place which have led to the accord which has now been signed. The declaration involved is a brief one, and does not appear to embody any new feature. It is designed, it is emphasised, to further the interests of peace. It affirms that freedom of entry into, exit from, and transit through the Mediterranean is of vital interest to both the British Empire and Italy, that the signatories are resolved to respect the rights and interests of all Mediterranean Powers, and that they have no desire for a modification of the status quo in the region in question. Why there should be any positive need to set the machinery of diplomacy in motion for the production of a specific declaration of this character is not very clear. So far as Great Britain and Italy are concerned the position as* regards the Mediterranean will continue to be what it was. In the past, Mr Eden pointed out recently, the interests of the two countries in the Mediterranean had been complementary rather than divergent, and he emphasised the British Government's desire that this relation should be preserved in the future. Signor Mussolini's appeal for an understanding seemed to imply the emergence of a new situation. Certainly while Italy was

conducting her campaign in Abyssinia, and the League was, treating her as an aggressor nation against which it was necessary to enforce certain sanctions, the relations between Great Britain and Italy suffered a certain deterioration. British naval precautions in- the Mediterranean ■ gave rise to a good deal of speculation at the time. The impression was certainly \ created that as between the two Governments a state of watchfulness and some uncertainty existed. So far as there has been tension, that is apparently now quite relieved. The Italian Government has given assurance that so far as Italy is concerned the integrity of the present territories in Spain shall in all circumstances remain intact and unmodified. It had been suggested that Italy had designs on the Balearic __ Islands. If the agreement finally arrived at as regards the Mediterranean affords satisfaction to Italy through recognition of her "new Imperial position," that does not signify that Great Britain has given away anything that will affect her • vital interests in Mediterranean waters.