SHORT OF CASH

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20433, 25 February 1938, Page 7

SHORT OF CASH

THE PLIGHT OF ITALY j CONVERSATIONS WITH BRITAIN I HOUSE OF LORDS DISCUSSION United Press Assn.— Elec. TeL Copyright (Received Feb. 25, 11.15 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 24 In the House of Lords Lord Addison said the Prime Minister, Mr Chamberlain, was within his rights in opening negotiations with Italy, but It was an Inauspicious beginning. The absence of Franc-e from the discussions by which she was vitally affected, created a dangerous situation. Signor Mussolini was short of cash and It was extraordinary that the present moment should be chosen to come to the assistance of an embarrassed dictator. Any proposal to lend money would be received with a storm of opposition. The Prime Minister had deplored the Incompetency of the League of Nations, but It was largely due to the conduct of the British Government. The only two Powers pleased with events, continued Lord Addison, were those who made use of prison concentration camps and a bludgeon to produce unanimity among their citizens. Our friends throughout the world were dismayed. The Marquess of Lothian (Opposition Liberal) unexpectedly supported the Government, lie explained that he spoke personally, and had not consulted liis Liberal colleagues. The League had failed because it put peace first and justice second, whereas justice was the only condition on which peace could rest. The Prime Minister's attitude, that the orthodox League view no longer conformed to realities and was more likely to lead to war than peace, had increasingly gained ground. The Need for Confidence The Marquess of Lothian said: “Italy can do us as much damage in the Mediterranean as we can do Italy. There is no half-way house between friendship and hostility. Unless there is confidence everything each dues will cause suspicion to the other. The Marquess of Londonderry favoured a I‘our-Power pact between England. France, Italy and Germany. lie expressed the opinion that they might be on the threshold of an era of world peace. Lord Ponsonby Labour) said he differed from the Labour manifesto. In this view Mr Chamberlain was absolutely right. It was no good coldshouldering nations whose forms of government were different from ours. Decision Welcomed Lord Allen welcomed the Government's decision. Lord Cecil protested against the argument used by Government supporters, which implied that the League of Nations policy meant an attitude,of negation to the just claims of any Power. It was untrue to suggest that tlie League was against the negotiations. He declared that they would no *er get union in Europe or peace except by establishing the supremacy of the law, based on justice. Lord Brocket felt that Mr Eden’s resignation would make Italy take an I ! entirely different view of Britain, and he welcomed the change. Lord Strabolgi thought that the Government had made a radical and serious change in foreign policy, which the Opposition must denounce, although they had no desire to see a •quarrel with Italy. The Government Agreed Viscount Halifax, replying, said the whole Government, including Mr Eden, were agreed that conversations with Italy were desirable. He outlined the incidents leading up to the difference of view between Mr Chamberlain and Mr Eden.