ITALY AND VATICAN

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9520, 8 May 1940, Page 2

ITALY AND VATICAN

CROWN PRINCE PAYS VISIT TO POPE MEDITERRANEAN PROBLEM LONDON, May 7. Considerable interest is attached o a visit paid by the Italian Crown ’rince and Princess to the Vatican, lecause it is generally inferred that he Prince’s interview with the Pope itrengthens the Papal effort for the (reservation of peace in the Mediteraneau. Signor Mussolini later received he Crown Prince, after which it wa3 HI daily announced that they disussed preparedness for war. Marshal Balbo’s newspaper “Cor- -

riere Padano,” whicn usually reflects the view of high army ofliceru, solemnly warns Britain and France that, they add error to error and will get a big surprise if they seek revenge in the Mediterranean for events in the North Sea. On the other hand, the Alexandria correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says British oilicials stated: “We are ready to meet Italy on land, sea or in the air if she de - cides to tight. The ans Aver to that question will be clear next Aveek, as the test has already started.” Egypt is taking further precautions. She has introduced universal conscription and tightened up passport control, also the supervision of private possession of firearms and ex - plosives-