DOOR LEFT OPEN

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19919, 22 April 1939, Page 5

DOOR LEFT OPEN

SPEECH BY IL DUCE WASHINGTON OPINION , POSSIBLE ADJUSTMENTS HITLER- REPLY AWAITED (Kloc, Ti-1. Copyright- —United Press Assn.) (Rood. April 22, 9 a.in.) LONDON, April 21. Varied comment 'has been expressed concerning the speech broadcast throughout Italy yesterday by Signor Mussolini. Replying to the week-end message from President Roosevelt re-

questing assurances of non-oggression ir. Europe and Asia and suggesting the discussion of measures for relief from the burden of armaments and the further development of international trade, Signor Mussolini said it was absurd 'to place the axis Powers in the dock. "We reply to the message that Italy and Germany are working for peace," added Signor Mussolini.

Official circles in Paris consider trnt matters are a little easier and regard Signor Mussolini's speech as a respite.

Struck at Straw Man The Washington correspondent of the New York Times says that Signer Mussolini's speech 'is believed there to have left the door open to discussions for peaceful adjustments of the Europe;.'.! situation. ■*

It is pointed out that Signor Mussolini struck at a straw man when he condemned the idea of a large conference, since President Roosevelt suggested a number of small conferences. It was realised, however, that the real leply to President Roosevelt would come from Her.' R"tic. ." ':' '.hat Signor Mussolini's sp<__c.i wc not be regarded seriously.

There was gratification at least that the dictators were still talking and not relapsing into &n ominous silence that might be a prelude to armed action. •