EUROPEAN PEACE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23706, 13 January 1939, Page 7

EUROPEAN PEACE

A NECESSARY ELEMENT ACCORD BETWEEN NATIONS ITALIAN LEADER'S IDEAS i TRIBUTE TO BRITISH NATION (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) ROME, Jan. 12. (Received Jan. 12, at 11.45 p.m.) Speaking before Mr Chamberlain, Signor Mussolini said: “I greet you as most welcome guests representing a great and friendly nation, and I express the sympathy with which Italy follows your endeavours.” The spirit of comprehension and firmness with which Mr Chamberlain collaborated for a just solution of the problems that threatened the life of Europe in September, and the tenacity with which he pursued his peace programme had been most sincere and obtained the sincerest appreciation of Italy, which always believed in peace founded on justice, towards which policy Fascist Italy was aimed. Italian and British accord put the relationship between Italy and Britain on a solid basis, not only constituting a new phase of friendship and understanding of new Mediterranean and African realities, but opening a new road for collaboration, which was a necessary element for European peace. “We hope it will be lasting and fruitful,” said II Duce.

During the conversations at the Palazzo Venezia, Signor Mussolini constantly reassured Mr Chamberlain of his desire for peace. It is not clear whether hie indicated the concessions Italy expects as a contribution thereto. It is believed that Soain was not discussed. Well-informed Italian diplomatic writers states that Mr Chamberlain made reference to the Franco-Italian position, and suggested that Italy would be well advised to moderate the, tone of the press against France, after which she could consider opening bilateral talks with France. After the adoption of such a policy, it is suggested, Britain might be prepared to support some of the Italian claims, excluding territorial concessions.

ITALY’S DEMANDS THE GERMAN VIEW BERLIN, Jan; 12. (Received Jan. 12, at 11.55 p.m.) Mr Chamberlain’s visit was the subject of an official statement from the Wilhelmstrasse, which; despite the fact that it is clothed in diplomatic language, emphasises the German view that Italy’s Mediterranean demands must be satisfied if peace is to be preserved. The statement declares that Italy has attained a new position, and thus has new demands which the world cannot disregard.