MUCH SPECULATION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 78, 2 April 1938, Page 9

MUCH SPECULATION

MUSSOLINI’S SPEECH A THIRD CAMPAIGN EVEN GERMANY WARNED |By Telegraph—Pres«= Association—Copy: —'ht] LONDON, March 31. The purpose of Mussolini’s speech and whom it was aimed against is causing considerable speculation in the British Press. The Manchester Guardian considers it is a warn.ng to France not to intervene while Franco finishes off the Loyalists, and a reminder to Mr. Chamberlain that Italian intervention in Spain must not be allowed to interfere with AngloItalian conversations. The sentences for instance: "Certain passes are being hermetically sealed, and the whole great circle of the Alps will be impassable” suggest a warning to Germany not to presume too far on the famous axis. The British United Press correspondent at Rome says Fascist circles are frankly puzzled by Mussolini’s pointed references to a third campaign, second thoughts admittedly giving his words a more sinister ring. The Fascists confess the speech reveals serious pre-occupation, and the possibility of a European war. Foreign diplomats place heavy emphasis on the following reference to defence against bombing: “All able to organise the existence in smaller cities and towns throughout the country would do well to carry it out now, not wait for the zero hour. It something happens to-morrow everything interfering with mobilisation will be forbidden, which will be so much worse for the negligent and tardy.” Observers interpret this grave warning as an indication that Mussolini considers the zero hour is approaching.

ITALIAN PRESS COMMENTS IS WAR AGAINST FASCISM PROBABLE? ROME, March 31. Mussolini’s reference to a ‘‘third campaign” is generally accepted to mean a warning of stringent measures to suppress the enemies of Fascism at Home and abroad. The Gazetta del Popolo says that during the last few days Britain and France have shown there are people who mean to start a war against Fascism. Very well! Fascism has uttered a warning through the mouth of Il Duce. ‘ITALY THREATENS NOBODY” , LONDON, March 31. The Rome correspondent of The Times states that the Fascist Press is satisfied at the effect of Mussolini’s speech abroad. Replying to a question: “Against whom this array of force is aimed?” Gayda states that Fascist Italy threatens nobody, but merely wishes to protect her rights and ensure that her voice is heard equally with any other great Power when affairs of the world are being discussed.

GREETINGS TO MUSSOLINI HERR HITLER S MESSAGE BERLIN, March 31. Herr Hitler telegraphed Signor Mussolini sincere greetings as Marshal of the Empire, adding wishes for the greatness of Fascist Italy. IS IT A DISPLAY FOR GERMANY? ANGLO-ITALIAN RELATIONS UNAFFECTED Received April 1, 5.5 p.m. LONDON, March 31. The Australian Associated Press Bays whatever is behind Signor Mussolini’s speech official quarters here say that they do not see that it has the slightest bearing on the AngloItalian negotiations. On the contrary, these are progressing faster than was anticipated.. Signor Mussolini’s claim to an ability to mobilise nine million troops is thought to be a reminder to the Germans on the Brenner Pass and simultaneously for HenHitler’s consumption before coming to Rome on May 2.