BRITISH FLEET

Southland Times, Issue 22732, 7 November 1935, Page 5

BRITISH FLEET

MEDITERRANEAN sea POSSIBILITY OF A REDUCTION MORE LIBYAN TROOPS MAY BE RECALLED (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 7.40 p.m.) London, November 6. Following a meeting between Sir Eric Drummond, the British Ambassador, and Signor Mussolini at Rome, Mr Baldwin hurriedly summoned Sir Samuel Hoare, Sir Bolton EyresMonsell, Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister and other members of tire Cabinet and defence officials and conferred with them. The diplomatic correspondent of the Dairy Mail understands that they discussed the possibility of the withdrawal of two battleships and other vessels from the Mediterranean if Signor Mussolini would agree to recall more troops from Libya. The Rome correspondent of the News Chronicle says it is believed that the Duce will agree to withdraw another division if Britain removes some warships. The Rome correspondent of The Times says that the foreign spokesman states that Signor Mussolini probably referred to the withdrawal of a division from Libya, expressing the expectation that it would be appreciated in London. Sir- Eric Drummond explained the reasons for Britain’s lack of response to the suggestion. Nevertheless the visit is regarded as encouraging.