SOVIET CHALLENGE TO ITALY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20829, 10 September 1937, Page 9

SOVIET CHALLENGE TO ITALY

SECOND NOTE ISSUED

CHARGES OF SINKING OF SHIPS

FLAMING INDIGNATION IN ROME

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright ROME, September 8. Russia has delivered a second Note to Italy, declaring that the Soviet is not satisfied with the Italian reply, and reiterating Russia’s former demands. It is Indicated that the Soviet’s second Note does not alter Italy’s earlier repudiation. The British United Press says that a rupture of Italian-Soviet diplomatic relations is now considered possible. The British Charge d’Affaires in Rome, called on Count Ciano but the conversations were not divulged. Russian circles in Rome consider that Italy’s rejection of the Notes Is very serious. A third Note is expected from Moscow soon, probably breaking off diplomatic relations. It is understood that Italy feels it is for Moscow to take this Initiative, as the Soviet started the quarrel.

The text of the first Soviet Note to Italy was as follows: “The Soviet has Indubitable proof of the aggression of Italian warships against Soviet merchantment In contra llction to humanitarian principles and the most elementary law.” Commenting on the sinking of the steamer Timiryazev, the Soviet paper "Isvestia” the other day accused Italy of piracy in the Mediterranean and described Signor Mussolini as “The notorious chieftain of a band of Fascist cut-throats and the avowed glorlfier of mediaeval banditry.” The newspaper “Pravda,” commenting similarly, said: “The Soviet Goernment will be able tn take care of the mad Italian bandits.”

The Soviet Notes to Italy, though deplored in Paris, were more or less expected. M. Blum’s journal “Populaire” says: “Russia is only voicing what all the world knows. We are even in a position to state that the submarines concerned were Italian c aft of the Archlmedc type. Nevertheless the Soviet Note Is inopportune.” The Rome newspapers angrily denounced Russia’s “impudent” Note. Politlal circles, however, did not anticipate the breaking off of diplomatic relations but stress that Italy will not consent to attend the Mediterranean conference In the role of accused. It was later reported that unless Russia is satisfied with the outcome of the Mediterranean Conference, Soviet warships will probably be sent to the Mediterranean to protect her own merchantmen.

It is also predicted that M. Lltvlnoff will not hesitate at th: Conference to accuse Italy of responsibility for he sinkings of Soviet ships.

EFFECT OF CLASH ITALY MAY NOI ATTEND CONFERENCE United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, September 8. Messages from Italy and Germany late to-night hold out little hope of acceptance of the invitation to the Mediterranean conference. It is understood that replies will be delivered In London to-morrow. If Italy and Germany do not attend it is believed the conference will be held at Geneva instead of Nyon. Press Impressions “The Times” says that Germany has declined the Invitation to the piracy conference. The Milan journal “11 Popolo d’ltalla” announces that Italy will not attend the Mediterranean conference and adds: “Italy is presenting a counter proposal to refer the Mediterranean problems to the Non-Interven-tion Committee. ITALUN ATTACK ON RUSSIA “BARBARIC AND INTOLERABLE INTRUSION DENOUNCED” uuiteu Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright (Received September 10, 12.20 a.m.) ROME, September 9. “Italy will not go to Nyon” is the filaming headline across the front page of the “Il Popclo d’ltalla.” The accompanying article denounces the Russian notes as impudent manoeuvres and condemns the barbaric and Intolerable intrusion of Moscow in the Mediterranean. “Italy, although holding no Illusions as to the miraculous value of international conferences,” adds the paper, “had not refused collaboration until the sudden and insincere action of Russia, whom Britain has long and constantly in the past, refused the right to interfere in the Mediterranean. Italy now believes that the discussion can best be left to the non-interven-tion committee.” The Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Count Ciano, will make constructive counter-proposals. SUPPORT OF NAZIS EARLY RUPTURE BELIEVED LIKELY Uoiieu s'ress Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received September 9, 9.5 p.m.) NUREMBERG, September 9. Herr Hitler held a midnight meeting of members of the Cabinet and experts, to consider Germany’s attitude towards Russia, in the event of an Italian-

Russian rupture, which is now considered most likely. The German and Italian Notes dispatched to London last night are identical. BRITISH CABINET MEETS CONCERNED WITH FOREIGN OUTLOOK - British Official Wtrelese RUGBY, September 8. Two sessions of the Cabinet, at which Mr Chamberlain presided, were held to-day, lasting together, nearly 3J hours. The international situation was considered, and it is assumed particular attention was given to the Mediterranean Conference. Later it became known that Admiral of the Fleet Chatfield, the First Sea Lord and other naval experts, and Sir Robert Vansittart, Permanent Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs, will be leaving London to-morrow to assist Mr Eden at the conference. The Prime Minister returned to Scotland to-night to complete his holiday, which will extend until about September 18. The Cabinet completed proposals for ending the piracy in the Mediterranean, but replies from Italy and Germany are still awaited. The Cabinet decided to Include Mr Malcolm MacDonald In the League delegation, in view of the important discussions affecting the Dominions and Colonies.