ANGLO-ITALIAN PACT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 89, 16 April 1938, Page 9

ANGLO-ITALIAN PACT

FAR-REACHING NATURE Armament Facts To Be Exchanged FREEDOM OF SUEZ CANAL RECOGNITION OF CONQUEST [By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright] LONDON, April 13. The text of the agreement between Britain and Italy shows that the agreement is far-reach-ing, covering exchange of information concerning armament and fortification in the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Irak, Egypt, the Sudan, Arabia, Suez, Spain, the Balearic Islands, and on the Abyssinian boundaries, but it does not involve Italy’s cession of certain Abyssinian territory to Britain, as was reported.

The agreement will reaffirm the earlier Mediterranean gentlemen’s agreement, and likewise will recognise freedom of passage through the Suez Canal, in accordance with the 1888 Convention.

Britain will recognise the conquest of Abyssinia, while it is understood that Italy will accede to the London Naval Treaty of 1937, whereby Continental Powers are not likely to exceed the 35,000-ton battleship limit.

A NAZ! TRIBUTE

CHAMBERLAIN’S WORK COMMENT ON ITALIAN AGREEMENT BERLIN, April 13. Giving its blessing to the AngloItalian rapprochement, the official paper of the Nazi Party, “Diplomat’k Korrespondenz,” says: “It is one of Lhe principles of German policy, which is devoid of jealousy or desire for exclusive friendships, that bilateral achievement of good relations contributes to general appeasement. If tension has been eliminated, it is thanks to Mr Chamberlain’s realism and sober policy based on facts and pursued in direct conversations.”

CLOSER FRIENDSHIP BRITAIN AND ITALY PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE FORMED ( British Official Wiralecs.) RUGBY, April 13. It is announced that an AngloItalian Parliamentary Committee to collaborate with the Government and foster friendship between the two nations is being formed. Sir Philip Dawson will be the first chairman, and it is proposed to hold a dinner at the House of Commons immediately after the Easter recess at which the Italian Ambassador, Count Grandi, will be the principal guest.