APPEAL FOR PEACE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23277, 23 August 1937, Page 9

APPEAL FOR PEACE

SPEECH BY ITALIAN LEADER RELATIONS WITH BRITAIN " GREAT MISUNDERSTANDINGS " (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) PALERMO, Aug. 20. Decorated fishing boats and saluting warships thronged the harbour, while 400,000 shouting spectators gathered at the Royal Palace, in front of which Signor Mussolini stood on a dais and delivered a speech which was broadcast throughout Italy and translated into 18 languages. Signor Mussolini said: " When we leave the land for maritime frontiers we will meet Great Britain. She does not yet know the new and transformed Italy, but I acknowledge that there have been great misunderstandings in the past two years. The gentlemen's agreement improved the situation and the horizon is clearer. Permanent friendship with England is possible. We can reconcile the respective needs of a sea route and a life line, and will collaborate in all problems of European political life, but regarding Spain we will not tolerate Bolshevism in the Mediterranean. Regarding Abyssinia, we do not ask the League officials to register births, but they should take notice of a certain death. Our relations with France would improve but for idolatry towards Geneva and the desire of some parties" for the downfall of Fascism. I appeal for peace in all countries whose civilisation meets the shores of the Mediterranean." Signor Mussolini, when about to speak, noticed two white banners inscribed: "Long live our volunteers in Spain." He ordered them to be taken down, observing that such signs were inappropriate to his intended peace speech. GERMANY WELCOMES SPEECH LONDON, Aug. 21. (Received Aug. 22, at 5.5 p.m.) The Times Berlin correspondent says an officially-inspired statement welcomes Signor Mussolini's speech as a new manifestation of the will for peace which characterises the long-united Italian and German policy. "It is a clear exposition of Fascist foreign policy which Germany can, without qualification, accept. She fully approves the Italian attitude that Rome cannot be approached while Germany is ignored or opposed, and vice versa. Germany shares Signor Mussolini's hope for an Anglo-Italian reconciliation.