SOVIET INTEREST IN ITALY

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24905, 19 June 1946, Page 7

SOVIET INTEREST IN ITALY

ROME RADIO COMMENT

“ INTERFERENCE IN NO WAY WARRANTED”

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 9 p.m.)* LONDON, June 18. The Rome radio to-day broadcast an official announcement that Mr Molotov’s statement on conditions in Italy is regarded by the Italian Government as interference in internal questions which is in no way warranted by the quiet election, the clear result of the referendum, the King’s departure, and the perfect calm order reigning throughout Italy. "Britain believes that tne Italian Government has fully maintained its authority,” says the Press Association’s diplomatic correspondent. "It is stated in London that although Mr Bevin agreed t© Mr Molotov’s request that the Italian political situation should be discussed by the Foreign Ministers in Paris, Information reaching Britain indicates that the Italian Government has overcome the difficulties and disturbances caused by the anti-Monarchist vote in the referendum and now has the situation in hand.” The Italian Constituent Assembly is practically complete. The latest figures show the Christian Democrats leading with 207 seats, which is the largest number one party has ever obtained in Italy’s political history. The Socialists are next with 115 seats, and the Communists third with 104-seats. The Monarchists are fourth, with 41. The remaining '90 seats are divided among the smaller parties.