HALT’S ATTITUDE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23331, 25 October 1937, Page 7

HALT’S ATTITUDE

NON-INTERVENTION PLAN 1 NO FURTHER CONCESSIONS BRITAIN AND FRANCE ACCUSED LENIENCY TOWARDS RUSSIA (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) • LONDON, Oct. 24. (Received Oct. 24, at 7.30 p.m.) An official communique, issued at Rome by the Italian Government, alluding to the grave difficulties of the Non-intervention committee, announces that Italy will make no further substantial concessions, and will not accept the slightest responsibility for any breakdown. Diplomatic circles are surprised at the communique's sharp references to “the British and French inexplicable indulgence of Russia’s attitude and opposition to the non-in-tervention policy. Italy’s clarification and contribution have not had the sequel hoped for. Her cards are in order and she cannot grant further concessions. Events on the Asturian front have reawakened’the opposition, and Italy will not accept the slightest responsibility for any breakdown.” Impatience In London There is some impatience in London at the new check with which the Non-intervention Sub-committee met yesterday. However, the proposals which the supple but firm chairmanship of Mr Eden enabled the committee to edit have now gone to the Governments and not until the committee reassembles —it is understood that the next meeting has been postponed until Tuesday—and the effect of the Governments’ new instructions to their representatives can be seen will hope be relinquished that more favourable prospects which emerged from the important Italian contribution to Wednesday’s meeting will not prove illusory. Britain, as Mr Eden emphasised in the House of Commons on Thursday, has not ceased to believe that the non-intervention policy is the right one, but, as Mr Eden also made clear, it would not be possible for any Government to continue to associate itself for an indefinite period with an international agreement which is being constantly violated. A MEETING IN ROME SPECULATION AS TO OUTCOME CHANGE OF ATTITUDE REPORTED BERLIN, Oct. 23. (Received Oct. 24, at 6.30 p.m.) Herr von Ribbentrop has gone to Rome accompanied by his wife and daughter. The journey is described as a pleasure trip, but it is believed that Herr von Ribbentrop will confer with officials and possibly with Signor Mussolini.

It is believed that Herr von Ribbentrop’s talks with Signor Mussolini and Count Ciano are due to Herr Hitler’s anxiety to avoid further differences with England and France, especially as Italy, and Germany hope that the fall of Gijon will mean the end of the war. There are signs of attempts to placate England, and Italy’s share in the capture of Gijon has been deliberately minimised. Mr Neville Chamberlain, Lord Halifax, and even Mr Anthony Eden, are warmly praised in the press for their references to Italy. The Berlin correspondent of The Times reports that Count Mushakoji, a Japanese Ambassador to Berlin, has also gone to Rome, and this has caused speculations whether Italian adhesion to the Japanese and German anti-Communist pact is forthcoming. Anti-Bolshevism Herr von Ribbentrop’s presence in Rome might provide an opportunity for an anti-Bolshevist demonstration by the three Powers, directed from Germany’s side against Czechoslovakia, whom Germany alleges to be exploiting the alliance with France and the Soviet to illtreat the German minority. VOLUNTEERS NUMBER 40,000 AN ITALIAN ADMISSION ROME, Oct. 24. (Received Oct. 24, at 7.30 p.m.) A communique says that Italian Ambassadors have been instructed to inform the British and French Governments that the Italian volunteers in Spain number about 40,000 and adds: “Who says to the contrary, knowingly lies.”