ITALY’S CLAIMS

Waikato Times, Volume 123, Issue 20679, 14 December 1938, Page 7

ITALY’S CLAIMS

GERMANY’S HELP h; war comes CONCRETE ASSISTANCE (United Frees Asen Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 14, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 13 The Rome correspondent of the • Daily Mail learns from a moat reliable source that Germany It officially supporting the Italian territorial claims by a neutral attitude providing the dispute la strictly local, but will give more concrete assistance In the event of a general conflagration. FRANCE AND ITALY INVIOLABILITY OF TUNIS WOULD FIGHT FOR IT (United Press Assn.—Elec. TeL Copyright LONDON, Dec. 13 French newspapers strongly warn Italy of the inviolability of Tunis and declare that France will immediately fight for it. Excelsior states: “Signor Mussolini is mistaken if he thinks he can repeat German methods In the Mediterranean. Me should read the English newspapers for confirmation of this.” There is reason for believing that the Prime Minister. M. Daladicr, with characteristic bluutness, informed the German Foreign Minister. Herr von Rlbbentrop. that he could tell nis Italian friends that France would fight without hesitation if an inch of her Empire were threatened. Charge of Arson An Italian, alleged to be a member of the Fascist Party, has been charged with setting fire to the Italian social centre, gays a message from Tunis. The Daily Telegraph's Rome correspondent says Signor Mussolini is expected to make an Important speech on the international situation when he visits the island of Sardinia on Sunday to inaugurate the mining township of Carbonia. which has been built around the newly-organised lignite mines. In some quarters It is believed he will outline Italy’s claims against France. TUNIB AND OORSIOA CONFIDENCE IN ITALY SIGNOR MUSSOLINI’S DIFFICULTY (Times Cable.) LONDON, Dec. 13 The British Government’s view that the Italian claims to Tunis and Corsica are contrary to the Italo-British agreement has not yet been made clear to the Italian public, says the Rome correspondent of the Times. Moreover, Mr Chamberlain’s disclosure In the House of Commons that the Foreign Minister. Count Ciano, disavowed responsibility for the demonstrations In the Chamber of Deputies is still not published in the newspapers. As a result the Impression is that the Italian Government is identified with the claims. Thus confident expectation has been created on false premises, whloh H will be difficult for Signor Mussolini to neglect without loss of prestige. The people feel that, Germany on several occasions having secured all she wanted without war. Italy ought to be ablo to U6e the same tactlca effectively. This constitutes a serious danger. British feeling and Intentions should be clarified both to the Italian Government and to the people, the correspondent. SATISFACTION IN ITALY SUPPORT FOR TUNIS CLAIMS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. CopsTlgUt) LONDON, December 12 Mr Chamberlain's statement In the House of Commons has given the greatest satisfaction, agreeing with Italy's calculations that whereas France and Britain are closely allied in the defence of European frontiers each will stand alone in the event of conflicts outside the Continent. The newspapers claim that British public opinion supports Italy’s claims to Tunis. REGRET IN PARIS MR CHAMBERLAIN’S DECLARATION WILL HELP ITALY’S CAMPAIGN (United Press Assn.—EJee. TeL Copyright) LONDON, Dec. 13 Political quarters In Paris regret the form chosen by Mr Chamberlain for his declaration that Britain is not pledged to assist France if she should be attacked by Italy, says the Paris correspondent of the Daily Telegraph. It i 6 recognised that Britain 16 not formally committed, but it is felt tlae declaration is bound to aid Italy's antiFrench campaign.