ITALIAN HOPES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23703, 10 January 1939, Page 9

ITALIAN HOPES

MR CHAMBERLAIN’S VISIT CLARIFICATION OF AIMS CLAIMS AGAINST FRANCE STILL TO BE MAINTAINED (United Press Association) . (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, Jan. 8. The Rome correspondent of The Times says that the newspapers throughout the week have devoted columns to Mr Chamberlain’s visit, dissecting every possible aspect, from which the hope consistently emerges that the visit will result in a clarification of British and Italian aims, enabling Britain, Italy, and : Germany to co-operate more closely in a readjustment of the balance of power. . x The press is careful to point out that the claims against France will be fully maintained, and that Italy is not intimidated by M. Daladier’s “ provocative ” tour. The Italians are evidently counting more on Mr Chamberlain’s good offices than on Germany’s backing in order to gecure satisfaction. Signor Mussolini is probably preparing to bargain hard in an attempt to get what he wants, believing that General Franco’s advance has considerably strengthened his hand. BRITISH PRESS COMMENT CREATION OF TRIANGLE , LONDON, Jan. 9. (Received Jan. 9, at 11.30 p.m.) The Times says: “Mr Chamberlain and Lord Halifax are going to Rome solely in a firm and exploratory spirit. There is no clumsy attempt, as has been mischievously suggested, to try to cajole Italy to form an axis nor attempt to break down France’s resistance to Italy s claims. Nothing is further from the minds of Cabinet Ministers than to urge France to give way. even to concessions which, without insults, might have been reasonable.” The Rome correspondent of the News Chronicle says reliable quarters suggest that the visit will result in the creation of a Rome-Berlin-London triangle, replacing the axis, after which France, being isolated, will be compelled to accede •'to Italy’s demands. Britain will be urged to adopt a passive role should pressure be brought to bear against France.” FRENCH TERRITORY NOT A FOOT TO BE CEDED PARIS. Jan. 8. M. Daladier has returned from his tour.- The press unanimously approves of his speech at Algiers, when he repeated that not a foot of France’s territory would be ceded.