ANGLO-ITALIAN PACT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 90, 18 April 1938, Page 7

ANGLO-ITALIAN PACT

SIGNED IN LONDON AND ROME COMPREHENSIVE AGREEMENT REACHED MEDITERRANEAN, MIDDLE EAST, EGYPI AND EAST AFRICA (By Telegraph--Press Association— Copyright j Received April 17, 8.30 p.in. LONDON, April 16. The Anglo-Italian agreement was signed at 6 p.m. The official text, which arrived from Rome this morning by aeroplane, was subject to minor amendments before being released.

The agreement consists of a protocol with instruments annexed, an exchange of letters between Signor Mussolini and Mr. Chamberlain, and an agreement covering the interim until the completion of negotiations dealing with East Africa. The British and Italian Governments, animated by a desire to place their relations on a solid and lasting basis, and contribute to the general cause of peace and security, reaffirm the Anglo-Italian Mediterranean declaration of January 2, 1937. They agree to a periodical exchange of information concerning armed forces in the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Egypt, the Sudan, Italian East Africa, British Somaliland. Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika. A comprehensive agreement regarding the Middle East binds the parties to respect the integrity and independence of Saudi Arabia and Yemen and certain islands in the Red Sea. and regularises Italy’s rights in the Aden Protectorate. Britain agrees not to construct military works except for the defence of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, or Empire communications. Britain and Italy declare that neither will employ publicity or propaganda that would injure cither’s interests. Italy reaffirms her assurances and obligations to Britain regarding Lake Tsana, with which the Egyptian Government is associated. Italy reaffirms that Italian natives in East Africa shall not be compelled to undertake military duties, and undertakes to recognise the free exercise of religion for British nationals in Italian East Africa. Britain and Italy agree to abide by the Suez Canal Convention of 1888, guaranteeing free use of the canal in war and peace. Italy will withdraw 1000 troops weekly from Libya and continue to do so until a peacetime strength is regained. Italy will aceede to the London Naval Treaty of 1936. Italy pledges herself to withdraw from Spain on conditions determined by the Non-Intervention Committee. Italy declares that she has no territorial and no political aims, and does not seek any privileged economic position in Spain, the Balearics or Spanish Morocco. Britain agrees to initiate the League Council to clarify the situation regarding the recognition of Italian sovereignty in Ethiopia.

TENSION_ENDED .ITALIAN PRESS HEADLINES. GERMANY REASSURED Received April 17, 6.30 p.m. ROME, April 17. The Italian press, in big headlines, announces the end of the BritishItalian tension. Signor Virginia Gayda, declaring that the agreement carries prospects of peace throughout Europe, reassures Germany that she need not fear a weakening of the Berlin-Rome axis, proof of which is that Berlin was kept informed of the negotiations throughout. The British Ambassador, Lord Perth, and the Italian Foreign Minister, Count Ciano, signed the agreement in the Hall of Victories in the Palazzo, and Mr Chigi, Egyptian Minister, signed the annexes concerning Egypt. WIDER SCOPE ACTIVE PREPARATIONS ITALY’, GERMANY, BRITAIN AND FRANCE. Received April 17, 6.50 p.m. LONDON, April 17. The Rome correspondent of the Daily Mail reports that active preparations are being taken to open diplomatic conversations in Paris and Berlin for the creation of a four-Power consultative measure among Italy, Germany, Britain and France. The move follows the good reception of the Anglo-Italian rapprochement in all the European capitals. AMERICAN SATISFACTION DANGER OF EUROPEAN MAR DIMINISHED Received April 17, 7.30 p.m. NEW YORK, April 17. The Washington correspondent of the New York Times says that the Anglo-Italian pact is received with satisfaction as marking the successful conclusion of the first move in Mr. Chamberlain’s realistic foreign policy, which United States officials have been following sympathetically due to their belief that it means that the danger of a European war has been greatly diminished, at least from the standpoint of the time element. Chief interest here centres on the possible effect of the pact on the Rome-Berlin axis. It is assumed at present that Britain is certain to recognise the Italian conquest of Ethiopia, which will directly pose the question for America to decide. It is indicated that i Mr. Hull will avoid hasty action n.' Ulis connection.

TELEGRAMS EXCHANGED MUTUAL APPRECIATION MR CHAMBERLAIN AND SIGNOR MUSSOLINI Received April 17, 6.50 p.m. LONDON, April 17. Mr Chamberlain telegraphed to Signor Mussolini: “I am delighted to learn of the successful outcome of the conversations and would like to say how much I and my colleagues have appreciated the spirit of goodwill and co-operation applied to the discussions. I hope when the agreement comes into full operation it will dispose of the outstanding points of difference and confidently expect that thereafter Anglo-Italian relations will again be firmly based on the confidence and friendship that have so long existed in the past.” Signor Mussolini replied: “Thank you warmly for your message. I indeed am glad that the conversations have so happily ended and the agreement gives you, as it does me, full satisfaction. 1 equally appreciate the work of Lord Perth, all contributing to the agreement. Such a frank and full settlement places British and Italian relations on a solid and durable basis and I am convinced that a new period of confidence and friendship, which you and I desire, according with the traditional British and Italian relationship, can now be opened.” The Australian Associated Press says that from the moment Mr Chamberlain received Count Grandi on February 21 immediately after Mr Eden’s resignation, there has been no hitch in the negotiations, which have almost set a record in rapidity for such a comprehensive international instrument. There has been soma hard bargaining, nevertheless, but the agreement has never been in doubt. SPANISH PROTEST BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC. Received April 17. 6.30 p.m. BARCELONA, April 16. “I solemnly protest against the Anglo-Italian agreement, which presumes that the Republicans are already defeated,” declared Senor Negrin, broadcasting “The Republic has only now begun to fight and possgsses more war material than when the rebel offensive started and will further increase it. We have alreadystopped the insurgents and will soon I recapture all Catalonia. Our brave I people will again surprise the world. We only ask that our legal rights be j established and non-intervention ended.’* GERMAN OPINION BERLIN, April 35. “The Anglo-Italian agreement is a formal recognition of the justice of Italy's imperial policy by precisely that Power which most determinedly dcubted its justification,” says the Berliner Tageblatt. The cg r rement is convincing proof of what can be realised out of the secure foundation of the Rome-Berlin axis.”

PEACE OF EUROPE AUSTRALIAN APPRECIATION. Received April 17, 11.5 p.m. CANBERRA. April 17. The Prime Minister said that the people of the Commonwealth would be delighted at the reconciliation of Britain and Italy. Mr. Lyons said he was convinced that the agreement would make a substantial contribution to the appeasement of Europe.