The Pahiatua Herald. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 1937. MUSSOLINI’S OLIVE BRANCH.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13642, 28 August 1937, Page 4

The Pahiatua Herald. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 1937. MUSSOLINI’S OLIVE BRANCH.

By attributing to a recent understanding an improvement in relations between Britain and Italy, and a clearing of the European horizon, Signor Mussolini’s latest statement suggests the possibility of permanent friendship between, the two Powers. This understanding has particular reference to the Mediterranean, where British and Italian interests have been in greatest danger of clashing Signor Mussolini states an obvious fact in saying, “When we leave the land for maritime frontiers we meet Great Britain.” He has been inclined at times to regard the Mediterranean as an Italian lake—in plans lor a near future rather than under existing rights—and its essential value to the British Empire as a link in communications has had only grudging acknowledgment. Now he pleasantly announces, “We can reconcile CUT respective needs of a sea route and a life line.” So far he has wisely replied to the British Government’s overture of friendship, and in adding a promise to collaborate on all problems of European, political life he has done something toward general peace. However, his references to Spain, Abyssinia, Eran.ee and the League show that his wish tor peace is by no means unconditional. Since, regarding Spain, Italy ■will not tolerate Bolshevism in the Mediterranean, there is reserved a right to intervene on behalf of General Franco, and the figurative reference to Abyssinia betokens a determination to press for the nation’s exclusion from the League, although he seems to offer no objection to delay in Geneva’s recognition of Italian conquest. Charging France with idolatry toward Geneva, and blaming this for Italy’s jack of cordiality toward France, Signor Mussolini gives further proof of antipathy to the League. This would not matter so much were the other qualifications he makes concerning peace not likely to come under the notice of the League Council ami Assembly, soon to meet. Is he preparing another “ease for Italy” at Geneva? It would be unwise to accept Mussolini’s expressed hope of friendly relations without paying due regard to those other enigmatic portions of his address which, suggest that the Duoe has more surprises up his sleeve in the near future. As an overture, Mussolini’s gesture to England is encouraging, but there are no concrete grounds for optimism.