MOST CORDIAL

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17156, 5 October 1926, Page 7

MOST CORDIAL

ANGLO-ITALIAN RELATIONS LEADERS' DISCUSSIONS. TRIBUTE TO MUSSOLINI fElec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.} (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association > LONDON'. October :'.. "The suggestion that my interview with .Mussolini was arranged to counterbalance the Tinny conversations shows an entire misconception of our relations," said Sir Austen Chamberlain when interviewed on Ins arrival in London. '' I would have me( Mussolini even if the Thory conference had not occurred, because I should always wish to meet the Italian Premier, with whom I had a most cordial conversation affecting Anglo-Italian questions over which we already corresponded. I also discussed larger European issues, upon which we found our views coincided. 1 had a most friendly conversation with M. Briand, with whom I exchanged an account of the Mussolini conversation for an account of the Thory discussion. "1 am now in the happy position of having' the best official relations with the Italian and Trench Foreign Ministers," he continued, "accompanied by valued personal friendships. 1 am also on similar, terms with Dr. Strcscinann. ■ .* ' "Since Locarno," said Sir Austen, '' it would be impertinence to discuss Italian affairs. If Mussolini cannot live without making every country Fascist he will find strong opponents, as the the policy is not suited to-Britain, but for the onxan himself I have the greatest admiration. He possesses great force of character, shrewdness, and great personal charm and simplicity. Moreover, he is a great patriot." NO FURTHER PACTS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, October 4. The Daily Telegraph's diplomatic correspondent says that so far the Leghorn and Paris conversations have only yielded "atmospheric" results. Possibly some weeks ago a suggestion was discreetly mooted from the Italian side that Italy should crown the structure Of her recent pacts of amity, neutrality and conciliation with the minor Powers by a cognate pact with Britain, but it was soon realised in Eome that negotiations for any further pacts between Britain and the Continental Powers was out of the question for the'moment in view of the unfavorable reception accorded by so many of the Dominions to even the purely West European commitments embodied; In the Locarno pact.