NOT DISCLOSED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23707, 14 January 1939, Page 13

NOT DISCLOSED

NATURE OF ROME TALKS

LITTLE OFFICIAL COMMENT COUNT CIANO'S DECLARATION “EVERYTHING WENT WELL" (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

LONDON, Jan. 12.

A survey of all the messages from Rome gives no indication of the nature of the first conversations. There is not one ray of light in the Italian press. “ Everything went well, and I am optimistic regarding the result,” declared Count Ciano. This was the only official comment on last night’s events.

The statesmen are meeting again at 4.30 p.m. This morning Lord Halifax called on Count Ciano for an hour and immediately after the German Ambassador saw the latter and, it is believed, was given details of yesterday’s meeting. Shortly before noon the British delegation drove to the banks of the Tiber in glorious sunshine. Its members also visited the Piazzo Del Pantheon, and Mr Chamberlain placed wreaths on the royal tomb and that of the Unknown Warrior.

Groups of bystanders informally and cordially clapped the delegation.

Mr Chamberlain and Lord Halifax had lunch with the King, and afterwards attended a gymnastic and military display in the Mussolini Forum in the afternoon. They were present, at a gala opera performance in the evening. POSITIONS DEFINED BUT NO COMMITMENTS ROME. Jan. 13. (Received Jan. 13, at 11.55 p.m.) After, formal conversations, the' British spokesman stated that neither side asked or gave any commitment or agreement. Both stated that they appreciated the other’s standpoint. It appears that both sides defined their positions without showing willingness to make concessions.

The general impression is that, while the tone of the conversations was cordial, little progress can be expected at present. It is stated from British sources that Signor Mussolini spoke at length on Spain, stating that General Franco’s military advances made it most necessary to receive belligerent rights, which Italy believes is an essential preliminary to clarification. He hinted that it would enable Italy to consider further withdrawals. THE TALKS RESUMED BOTH SIDES SPEAK FRANKLY (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, Jan. 12. Little information is available regarding the Rome conversations apart from the fact that both sides spoke frankly and fully on the need of preserving peace. This evening’s resumed conversations lasted an hour. THE MILITARY SITUATION INFORMATION EXCHANGED (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, Jan. 12. A statement in Mr Chamberlain’s Rome speech that Britain and Italy had proceeded to exchange military information recalls the terms of the second annexe to the Rome agreement providing for an exchange of information with regard to any major prospective administrative movements or redistribution of the naval and military air forces of the two countries stationed In or based on the overseas possessions of either party in or having a seaboaid on the Mediterranean, Red Sea, or Gulf of Aden, or in or upon certain territories in North-east and East Africa.