THE ROME TALKS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23704, 11 January 1939, Page 9

THE ROME TALKS

MR CHAMBERLAIN'S AIM RESTORATION OF PEACE OUTSTANDING PROBLEM WITHDRAWAL FROM SPAIN (United Press Association) (»y Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, Jan. 10. (Received Jan, 10, at 6.30 p.m.) A wide range of urgent questions is expected to be discussed during the next three days between Signor Mussolini and Mr Chamberlain, who is ready to enter conversations on all problems which are at present occupying the, minds of the world’s statesmen. The possibility of farreaching demands from Italy, backed by Germany, has not been excluded by London political writers. The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent says; “Mr_ Chamberlain has no special object in going to Rome exceot to restore peace to the world, for which reason he is bound to discuss the following subjects with Signor Mussolini:— “First, Spain, with reference to continued Italian-German intervention, . While categoric assurances of complete withdrawal from Spain might encourage Mr Chamberlain to declare that a more favourable situation would thereby be created for discussion on other questions there is no question of bargaining thereon.

“Secondly, Italy’s claims against France, on which Britain is bound to declare that territorial changes would be contrary to the AngloItalian agreement. “ Thirdly, the Jewish refugee problem, practical plans for a settlement of which can be discussed if there is a constructive spirit in Rome....

' “Fourthly, general aspects of the European outlook. “Fifthly, economic questions can be discussed if Italy indicates a readiness to collaborate in turning swords into ploughshares.” The Rome correspondent of the British United Press says- Fascist circles claim that if Mr Chamberlain refuses to mediate between Italy and France it is most likely that Signor Mussolini will, urge that a four-Power meeting be held, similar to Munich, to discuss his revisionist claims. THE BRITISH STATESMEN EVE OF DEPARTURE •British Official Wireless) RUGBY, Jan. 9. One the eve of their departure for Rome, Mr Chamberlain and Lord Halifax received a message containing good wishes from the AngloItalian Parliamentary Committee, in which the hope was expressed for success in the Rome deliberations in the promotion of permanent friendship and goodwill between Italy and ’Britain and in the advancement of world peace. The committee also sent a message to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome tendering to the head of the Italian Government and ’the people sincere good wishes for permanent peace and goodwill between Italy and the British Commonwealth, and expressing the ardent hope that Anglo-Italian cooperation and mutual understanding may in the new year form the basis for the establishment of lasting peace among the nations of the world. The arrangements are complete for the departure of Mr Chamberlaid and Lord Halifax for Rome tomorrow morning. No agenda has been fixed for the talks, which will be confined to exchanges of views. They will continue the personal contacts between Mr Chamberlain and Signor Musslini established in September, and will be based on the Anglo-Italian agreement GERMANY’S ATTITUDE SUPPORT FOR ITALY LONDON, Jan. 9. Thq Daily Telegraph’s Berlin correspondent says that as Mr Chamberlain’s visit to Rome approaches the press stresses Germany’s readiness to give full support to Italy against France. Importance is attached to Dr Funk’s presence in Rome, where, it is believed, he is discussing Italian and German economic co-operation in all eventualities. The Daily Telegraph adds: “ There i£ a growing feeling that as a result of his talks with Colonel Beck, Herr Hitler may concentrate his interest in the Mediterranean, Africa, and Western Europe rather than in Eastern Europe and the Ukraine, the consequence of which may be a more abrupt demand for the return of colonies.” ITALIAN COLONY IN FRANCE WOULD FIGHT AGAINST FASCISM PARIS. Jan 9. (Received Jan. 10. at 6.30 p.m.) Members of the Italian agricultural colon v. which numbers nearly 1,000,000 demonstrated at Auch against Italy declaring that they were ready to fight for France against Fascism.