ITALY’S PROTEST

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16839, 31 December 1928, Page 7

ITALY’S PROTEST

INNISFAIL INCIDENT LEGAL MEASURES DEMANDED Australian and N.Z. Press Association.• MILAN, Dec. 28. According to an official statement tc the Stefani Agency, the Italian Vice Consul has strongly protested about the Innisfail incident, which the Italian Colony deeply resents. The I’opolo D’ltalia says: “The figld against Australian workmen in Australia has all the appearance of open hostility against Italy. Such violent acts, even if the work of irresponsible individuals are, in consequence, deplorable, and demand legal measures if the situation becomes grave and dangerous. The sources of these provocations will be found in a brutal, ungenerous antiItalian agitation.” BRITISH ATTITUDE NOT DIRECTLY CONCERNED (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.. LONDON, Dec. 29. The Italian Government has not discussed the Australian anti-Italian demonstration with the British Government, and it is expected that any action will be direct between Rome and Ciinberra or Brisbane. Whitehall has no inclination to discuss the question, but there seems here a definite desire not to bo at present involved. A Whitehall spokesman intimated that the matter rested solely between Italy and Australia, who must settle it themselves. It is likely that, if the matter is referred here, it will be referred back to Australia, though, if Australia and Italy are not able to settle it mutally satisfactorily, then British diplomacy would be available, if desired.