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Chronicle (Levin), 23 April 1948, Page 5

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(N.Z.P.A.-

-Reuter,

Pope Speaks On Result Of Elections

, Copyright)

Received Friday, 10^0 a.m. ROME, April 22. "An entire people has given proof of its grave sense of civic duty, and the skies in Italy are brighter with hope," His Holiness the Pope said in a statement on the Italian elections. The' elections had quickened the confidence of Europe and the whole world. The Pope said he had received messages from every continent telling how the people had spontaneously prayed that God should "come to the defence of Plis cause against errOr and injustice." In Rome today, Signor de "Gasperi said: "Italy wants to collaborate in the Brussels Western Union Paet." A large crowd attacked and wrecked Communist headquarters in Terlizzi last night after a fight between the Christian Democrat Mayor, Signor Mario Ventola, and the Communist Deputy, Signor Mario Assenato. One result of the Italian elections is that Italy is now likely to join the Western Union of Britain, France and the Benelux coimtries. Mr. Bevin made it clear from the beginning that Italy would be welcomed as a member. Count Sforza, Italian Foreign Minister, has stated that she would be willing to join on the basis of equality with the founder members but, as the Daily Herald's diplomatic correspondent points out, it was obviously pointless to start negotiations as long as there is a possibility that there might be an Italian Government hostile to the whole idea. There is 110 longer that reasQn for delay and conversations may begin even before the new Italian Government has been formally installed.