JOINT DECISION ON PATROL

Southland Times, Issue 23307, 17 September 1937, Page 7

JOINT DECISION ON PATROL

Rome Ready To Help On Own Terms BRITISH AND FRENCH MOVE AWAITED ITALIANS DISPLEASED BY NAVAL ACTIVITY (United Press Assn—Telegraph Copyright) (Received Sept. 16, 10.15 p.m.) LONDON, September 16. Official circles in Berlin declare that Italy’s refusal to co-operate in the Mediterranean patrol scheme against piracy fully represents Germany’s viewpoint, and was drawn up after consultation with the German Government, says the Berlin correspondent of The Daily Telegraph. It is emphasized that it now lies with Britain and France to grant Italy the equality she demands. The Rome correspondent of The Daily Telegraph says that responsible quarters assert that Italy’s refusal to join the scheme unless she is given equality with Britain and France was dictated by logic and geography. Nevertheless the door for collaboration has not been closed. Once the Italian objections are removed, it is argued, Italy will hasten to join the scheme. It is pointed out that if the Italian demand is not satisfied the presence of British and French destroyers in the Mediterranean will further complicate an already critical position. The French Foreign Minister (M. Yvon Delbos) is reported to have expressed apprehension to the British Foreign Secretary (Mr R. A. Eden) that Signor Mussolini may increase Italian assistance to the Spanish insurgents because of the agreement against piracy. The Geneva correspondent of The Times says the invitation to Italy to join the scheme still stands, but the delegations to the Nyon Conference state that Italy must make the next move, and that it must be an approach to the whole conference. Britain and France will take no further step alone. In an article in the Rome newspaper Giomale d’ltalia, Dr Virginio Gayda (“the mouthpiece of Mussolini”) says: “The next move rests with Britain and France, whose one-sided policy in the Mediterranean does not conform with the spirit of collaboration and friendship.” SLUMP ON LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE SHARP BREAK IN PARIS ALSO LONDON, September 15. A sudden wave of selling caused a slump in prices on the Stock Exchange this afternoon. Dealers are unable to explain the reason, apart from international nervousness. There was also a sharp break on the Paris exchange, and the franc was quoted widely.