PEACE DESIRED.

Wairarapa Age, 29 May 1936, Page 5

PEACE DESIRED.

MUSSOLINI’S STATEMENT TO INTERVIEWER. WITHDRAWAL OF SANCTIONS URGED. STEP TOWARDS STABILITY IN EUROPE. (Received Thursday, 7.50 p.m.) LONDON, May 27. The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent says that in the course of an interview with Signor Mussolini in Rome, he elicited that the Duee would respect the independence of Albania. Italy would take no initiative regarding the Mediterranean while sanctions continued, but thereafter she would try to reach a peaceful understanding. Meanwhile Mediterranean States need fear nothing. Italy would observe her treaties of friendship with Greece and Turkey. She would profit by Britain's experience in India in organising her East African Empire. Italy did not require a black army in Europe or Africa, because she could mobilise eight million soldiers within her own borders. Addis Ababa would remain the Abyssinian capital. Conversations might be advisable in order to harmonise British and French economic interests with Italy’s. Britain’s interests in Lake Tana would be respected. There need be no armaments race. The Libyan garrison would remain until the situation eased and would be repatriated when the British Fleet was withdrawn. He was willing to do everything to promote an AngloItalian rapprochement. Italy’s attitude towards Austrian independence was unchanged. The League could continue if it reformed itself, but if sanctions continued the question of Italy’s withdrawal would become urgent. On the contrary, their cessation would lead to the stabilisation of Europe. Fascist Italy wanted peace.