ITALY’S' ANXIETY FOR PEACE

Southland Times, Issue 23932, 26 September 1939, Page 7

ITALY’S' ANXIETY FOR PEACE

Sympathy With Nazi Case GROWING IMPATIENCE WITH ALLIES (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received September 25, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, September 24. The Italian peace offensive has been rekindled after II Duce’s speech, in which he reaffirmed his neutrality, says the Rome correspondent of The Times. Strong sympathy for Germany still exists in influential circles. There is also increasing impatience with Britain and France, “who are unwilling to recognize realities.” The Italian newspapers, trying to enlist neutral States, remind them of Italian intervention, to curtail a warlike upheaval in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. In the meantime Italy is increasing her military preparations. The following comment on Signor Mussolini’s speech was made available by the British Ministry of Information: “The full text of Signor Mussolini’s speech has not yet been received through official channels. Official circles, however, understand and appreciate the sincerity of Signor Mussolini’s motives, and the Prime Minister has already expressed appreciation of what Signor Mussolini attempted to do before the outbreak of war to reach a solution.

“The suggestion that by not spreading the conflict farther, in view of the Russian fait accompli, Britain and France have compromised their moral justification for attempting to annul the German fait accompli, is not understood here. The British people’s decision to declare war was indeed a direct consequence of the invasion of Poland, but the invasion of Poland was itself but another illustration of that lawlessness in international affairs which it is the principal purpose of this country to resist. As the Prime Minister said last week in Parliament, our general purpose in this struggle is well-known; it is to redeem Europe from the perpetual and recurring fear of German aggression and to enable the peoples of Europe to preserve their independence and liberties. Whatever, therefore, may be the results of the Russian action in Poland, this purpose remains unaffected and will be prosecuted with unflinching determination.” A semi-official French statement commenting on Signor Mussolini’s speech, says:— “Great interest is taken in the speech in Paris and the indications contained in it of Italy’s atitude. Signor Mussolini’s actions with a view to maintaining peace—for example his move on September I—have been highly ' appreciated by the French Government. The reply the latter made to the Italian Note gave evidence of this appreciation, but added: The, German aggression leading to the British and French participation, the putting into effect of a German military plan minutely prepared before hand, and also the partition of Poland and many other events following the initiative taken by Italy, have created a new condition in Europe. The British and French Governments have already made known their position with the utmost clarity. The statements by Mr Chamberlain and M. Daladier defined once and for alLthe position of the Allies.’.”

ITALY BLAMES THE

DEMOCRACIES

“DISCOURAGING” REACTION TO OVERTURES

(Received September 25, 7.10 p.m.) ROME, September 25. Fascist circles consider the British and French reaction to Signor Mussolini’s appeal discouraging, and blame the democracies for continuing the war “at the risk of a general conflagration.” SPANISH EMBARGO ON ARMS SHIPMENTS DECISION EXPECTED AT EARLY MOMENT

(Received September 25, 7.10 p.m.) . NEW YORK, September 25, Spain is expected to decide at an early moment whether to continue her informal embargo on exports of war materials to Britain and France, says the Viga correspondent of The New York Times. The Ministry '-of Commerce has delayed permits for exports of iron ore, pyrites and most other exports until the situation clears. The question principally interests Britain at present, as the blockade cut communications between Germany and Spain and trade between France and Spain has been non-existent for the past two years. France and Britain were formerly heavy buyers of iron ore and pyrites and both are needed to continue the war.

General Franco’s only public statements were made at the beginning of the war. He appealed for localization of the conflict, enjoining Spaniards to observe most strict neutrality. The decision banning sea trade with belligerents followed, delaying shipments of iron ore and pyrites, Spain’s principal exports, as an indication of the lengths to which the Government is going to avoid being drawn in.