ITALIAN PROPAGANDA AGAINST BRITAIN

Southland Times, Issue 23392, 27 December 1937, Page 7

ITALIAN PROPAGANDA AGAINST BRITAIN

MUSSOLINI AS “POISON PEN OF EUROPE” LONDON, December 23. In the House of Commons Lieuten-ant-Commander R. T. H. Fletcher (Labour), drawing attention to “Italian anti-British propaganda,” said that Signor Mussolini had become the poison pen of Europe and had poisoned the whole world of international relations. “The use of the Press for the recent untruthful attacks amounts to blackmail,” said Lieutenant-Commander Fletcher. “No head of a State actuated by ordinary motives, honour and decency would tolerate such conduct. It is the head of the Italian Government himself who wrote those lies in the Press, although he is bound by agreement not to do so.”

The Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Viscount Cranborne) replied that previous representations to Italy had to a certain extent been effective, and if they were ineffective Britain must sooner or later take further measures. She did not want to do so, ms she did not want strained relations with any other country. Lord Cranborne said that nothing could be so embittering to relations between countries as a constant stream of irritating propaganda. From time to time there had been clear evidence from the Italian Press that such propaganda was directed entirely against Britain. The British Government had never condoned that propaganda. On former occasions when it had become bad it had always made strong representations which had led to a temporary improvement “During recent months, however, there has been a recrudescence, and for that reason Mr Eden sent for the Italian Ambassador and told him the Government was well aware of this propaganda,” said Lord Cranborne. “Mr Eden added that unless it could be brought to an end it would be impossible to create the atmosphere necessary for the prosecution of successful conversations to improve Anglo-Italian relations.” It was the British Government’s hope and belief that the good sense of the Italian people would see to it that these representations were effective, and if not it was clear that sooner or later Britain must take further measures. Lord Cranborne said he would assure the House that the Government would not hesitate to take, whatever measures it thought necessary or appropriate for the purpose. Britain did not wish to adopt these measures, but wanted a return to the old confident friendship which had existed in the past with Italy, but Britain was confident that friendship required mutual respect and understanding.