ROME-BERLIN AXIS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21215, 9 December 1938, Page 9

ROME-BERLIN AXIS

STRONG SUPPORT IN GERMANY Basis of Ambitious Policy Anticipated Demands for Concessions Anti-French Outbursts in Italy United Press Association—By dec trie Telegraph Copyright LONDON. December 7. The solidity of the Rome-Berlin axis is the main theme in both the Italian and German newspapers, the Germans emphasising that the Franco-German declaration does not alter the fact that the Rome-Berlin axis is the key of German foreign policy and simultaneously protesting against the “disgraceful anti-Italian demonstrations by Red mobs In Tunis and Corsica.” but still not mentioning the scenes in the Italian Chamber on November 30. The Rome Press implies that Berlin’s recognition of the extent of the reality of friendship between Italy and Germany means that when Italy formulates her colonial claims against ' France earnestly she will be supported ! by the full weight of German diplomacy. CRITICAL PERIOD COMING ASTOUNDING DEMANDS NEXT YEAR Onlted Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, December 7. The Rome correspondent of “The Daily Telegraph” points out that the growing popularity of the campaign is characteristic of all such since the creating of the war mentality preceding the Abyssinian campaign. The views held by the French and British statesmen are not far wrong in surmising that Italy and Germany | will make astonishing demands early ■ in the New Year. | The Rome correspondent of "The I Times” believes that the campaign will not be unduly aggressive until the results of Mr Neville Chamberlain’s visit to Rome are seen. He adds that it must be clear in Italy that It would be difficult for Mr Chamberlain to support legitimate demands if the Press is clamorously voicing territorial claims conflicting ■with mutual Anglo-Italian obligations. There is no doubt that the success of M. Daladier in handling the French crisis gave a set-back to the organisers of the demonstration in the Chamber of Deputies who expected it to coincide with the paralysis of France through a general strike. ANTI-FRENCH OUTBURSTS FANNED BY AGGRESSIVE FISCISM United Pres? Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright ROME, December 7. Anti-French demonstrations have occurred at Naples, Turin, Florence and other cities, thousands of students marching and singing "Long Live Tunis.” The Press significantly announces that the Under-Secretary of War is inspecting Sardinia and the defences adjacent to Corsica. The popularity of the anti-French demonstrations is increasing with the public. Three thousand Messina students marched to the French Consulate and professors led 150 at Trapuni and there were similar scenes at Perugia and Benevento. END OF VISIT GERMAN MINISTER LEAVING FRANCE United Press Ass -rion—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright PARIS. December 7. The visit of the German Foreign Minister lHerr Ribbentrop) ended to-night without a second political conversation with the French Foreign Minister (M. Bonnet). To-night's talk was devoted to financial and economic problems. It is reported that it was agreed that a new Franco-German trade pact be negotiated