BRITAIN ANXIOUS TO HELP

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21210, 3 December 1938, Page 11

BRITAIN ANXIOUS TO HELP

Exchanges on Common Interest Foreign Conversations Consultation With Russia Likely British Official Wireless (Received December 2, 6.30 p.m.) RUGBY, December 1. Asked in the House of Commons if Britain would consult with Russia on the international situation on the lines of the recent Anglo-French conversations, the Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain) pointed out that Britain and France stood in a financial relationship which rendered desirable the recent Paris conversations. While the same procedure would not be suitable in every case, Britain was always ready, in an appropriate manner, and at an appropriate time, to consult any other Government and exchange views on matters of common concern. Mr Chamberlain was also asked if, in addition to the technical conversations between the staffs of Britain and France, it was poropsed to hold similar conversations between the staffs of other countries to which Britain had military obligations, such as Portugal, Egypt and Iraq. Mr Chamberlain replied: “A British mission is at present in Portugal for the purpose of discussing matters of general interest to both countries.” He added that there had already been cordial co-operation between the British military authorities on the spot and military authorities of Egypt and Iraq. FEELING AGAINST FRANCE ANGRY ITALIAN OUTBURST United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright ROME, December 1. During a speech in the Chamber of Deputies, the Foreign Minister (Count Ciano) declared his intention to safeguard the interests and aspirations of Italians. This brought anti-French demonstrations and cries of “Tunisia.” The demonstrations continued outside Parliament, the crowd shouting: “Duce, Tunis, Corsia.” The Paris correspondent of “The Times” points out that the demonstration has altered the opinion of France, not because the claims are taken seriously, although it is realised that Italian grievances in Tunisia must be considered, but because of the conviction that Italy and Germany are engaged at present in a carefully planned attempt to weaken Anglo-French solidarity, evidence of which is seen in further German attacks on Great Britain when Herr Ribbentrop is preparing to go to France, and the new Italian outburst against France when Mr Chamberlain is preparing to go to Rome. A further Rome message reports that the newspaper “Tribuna” declares that the French occupation of Tunis in 1881 was a grave insult that will always be remembered by Italians and adds that in order to be friends with Italy it is necessary to repair insults.

ITALIAN ASPIRATIONS OPPOSED FRENCH NEWSPAPERS DEMAND DECLARATION United Press Association—By vjectrlc Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 3, 12.50 a.m.) PARIS, December 2. The French press continues to angrily oppose the Italian aspirations at Tunis, Corsica and Nice, unanimously demanding an emphatic declaration from the Government in view of the pending signature of the Franco-German pact. The re-align-ment of the Four Powers policy of appeasement is evoking the widest speculation, but so far there is an absence of official comment.

TO VISIT PARIS INTENTION OF GERMAN MINISTER Unltvd P'ess Ass. noon—By ffilactrlc T ekgraph—Copyright LONDON, December 1. It is reported from Berlin that the German Foreign Minister (Herr Ribbentrop' will go to Paris next week. BRITISH VISIT TO ROME CONCERN IN FRENCH CIRCLES United press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received, December 2, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 1. The Paris correspondent of “The Daily Telegraph" says that probably France will express to London her apprehension that Mr Chamberlain's visit to Rome may prove a disservice to Franco-Italian relations and also cause a damaging interpretation of FrancoBritish Mediterranean solidarity. The correspondent adds that a stiffening of the French attitude towards Spanish affairs is anticipated. NON-INTERVENTION PLAN BELGIAN WITHDRAWAL CRITICISED United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 2, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 1. Lord Plymouth has advised the Powers which sponsored Mr Francis Hemming’s visit to Burgos that Britain has no intention of departing from the British plan, and urging that measures be taken to prevent the dismemberment of the Non-intervention Committee. It is understood that Britain has informed Belgium that her withdrawal from the Non-intervention Committee

is regarded with the strongest disapproval. As a result Belgium has stated that although her decision to resign from the chairman’s sub-com-mittee is final, she is prepared to reconsider her position in relation to the full committee. Belgium’ decision to recall the Charge d’Affairs and Consul from Barcelona and send a commercial agent to rebel Spain has led loyalist Spain to recall its Ambassador from Brussels and delegate his duties to the Antwerp Consulate.