PROTECTING THE NAZI FLANK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 68, 21 March 1940, Page 5

PROTECTING THE NAZI FLANK

ITALIAN-GERMAN-RUSSIAN PLAN EXPECTED Kecrived Marell 20. 10.5 p.m. NEW YORK. March 20. The Rome correspondent of the New York Times says the Italian Foreign Minister, Count Ciano. undoubtedly told Mr. Welles that an important Italian-German-Russian understanding could be expected within a fortnight, recording a decision that the Avar must be localised and not spread to the Balkans or the -Mediterranean.

Mr. Sumner Wehes Is leaving for home to-morrow. He Left for Genoa to-night to join the steamer. Mr. Welles has not seen Signor Mussolini since the latter’s return from his meeting with Hitler, but he had luncheon and n long conversation with Count Ciano. He has maintained his silence regarding what has transpired between him and the leaders of European countries, except to make a statement that he had noi discussed peace proposals with any ol ’. the leaders, neither had he offered I peace proposals on behalf of any ! country. In connection with the meeting of i: Signor Mussolini and Hitler. President. 1 Rooseveit stated that only the four < men present at the meeting knew ; what, had happened. All parties now disown the 11-point peace proposals. A diplomatic corres- ] pondent states that whatever the - terms they have been stalled off. Nazi Comment To their comment on recent events, particularly the meeting of Signor 1 Mussolini and Hitler, Nazi spokesmen 1 add a hint that the situation will j 1 shortly be shifted to the Balkans andl (

that the relations between Italy and Russia will shortly undergo a change. A Wilhemstrasse spokesman told neutral journalists that there was no question of Germany making peace proposals. On the contrary, Germany had resolved to carry on the war until the Allies were completely beaten and Germany’s vital needs secured for all time. Hitler’s peaceoffer last October no longer existed through its rejection by England and [ France. Signor V. Gayda. writing in the Giornale D’ltalia, said it was ridiculous to consider Signor Mussolini as running between the capitals of Europe for pacification for which no Government was asking. Signor ?dussolini had not sought a further conference with Mr. Welles. The Bulgarian Prime Minister toid Parliament that although Bulgaria was prepared to remain neutral she would fight if necessary to preserve her policy, which did not depend or. Rumaniia. A similar statement was made by the Dutch Foreign Minister, who said that although situated between two powerful belligerents, Holland was determined to keep out of the war.