FRANCE AND ITALY

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20718, 31 January 1939, Page 7

FRANCE AND ITALY

DALADIER’B ANXIETIEB ITALY'S DESIGNS ON SPAIN GERMANY'S DIVISIONAL DESIGN (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright LONDON. Jan. 29 The French Premier, M. Daladier, in common with Britain, opposes intervention in Spain, but he is faced with: (1) A unanimous resolution from the executive of the Radical Party concerning the danger to France of an Italian victory in Spain. (M. Daladier is a member of the RadicalSocialist Party.) ,2) An outcry, not only on the Left, but also among Important sections of the Right, as the result of the Spanish situation. (3, The serious view taken by the French General Staff of Italy's strategic designs. It is obvious that the Italians are desperately afraid of French intervention. The journal, Diplomatic Information, in an article believed to have been written by Signor Mussolini, says, in effect, that if France helps the Spanish Government there will be “massive Italian intervention on behalf of General Franco.” All to-day's Italian papers sing the same tune, asserting that French intervention will "have most catastrophic consequences, and not only for Dr. Negrin, Republican Premier.” The Italians now imply that the situation in the Mediterranean, including Signor Mussolini's status quo assurances to Mr Chamberlain, would clearly be altered in the event of French intervention in Spain. London Circles Disturbed There is no doubt that the rapid evolution in French policy disturbs responsible quarters in London, from which pressure continues on M. Daladier to maintain French non-interven-tion. It may be recalled that whenever the French have hitherto contemplated intervention in Spain, they have withdrawn at the last minute. However, as the Times points out, "The French, who have not always understood Spanish psychology, fear that the defeat of the Republicans would involve Spain in political vassalage to Italy.” Germany sees In the situation another opportunity to pursue her policy of driving a wedge between Britain and France. Hence, the German papers warn France, that, if she assists the Republicans, she will endanger the results of the conversations between Signor Mussolini and Mr Chamberlain, because Mr Chamberlain desires an Italo-French settlement. MINISTERS AT VARIANCE M.M. DALADIER AND BONNET (Independent Cable) PARIS, Jan. 30 The Foreign Minister, M. Bonnet, is reported to have angered M. Daladier and created a political sensation during an appeal to the French press for moderation and restraint when referring to Italy, by stating that although France was bound to resist forcible Italian demands, it iRUst not be forgotten that she was indebted to Italy for remaining neutral in 4914 and then entering the war on France's side. M. Bonnet is said to have added that M. Laval's concessions to Italy in 1935 were inadequate.