OFF TO ROME

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 85, 4 January 1935, Page 9

OFF TO ROME

Invitation Accepted By M. Laval IMMEDIATE START Proposed European Pact to Be Discussed (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, January 2. 1 Negotiations between France and Italy for sponsoring a multilateral pact guaranteeing the integrity of Austria have been actively continuing, and at the conclusion of the French Cabinet meeting this afternoon it was announced in Faris that the invitation extended to the French Foreign Alinister, Al. Laval, by Signor Alussolini to visit Rome had been accepted. Al. Laval will accordingly leave Paris to-morrow night. ■ ■ An announcement in Rome stated that he will have an important interview with the head of the Italian State on questions affecting the two countries, and that in particular it will be directed towards concluding conversations which have recently been in progress between the two Chancelleries. The news of Al. Laval’s projected visit has been received in London with special satisfaction, as it is taken as indicating a probability of the successful outcome of Franco-Italian negotiations in which the British Government has been taking an active interest. The European questions under discussion between Paris and Rome were the subject of a conversation between the- British Foreign Secretary, Sir John Simon, and the French Premier and Foreign Alinister during Sir John’s brief stay in Paris on his way from London to the Riviera, where he is at present on holiday. The British Foreign Secretary has since kept in close touch with the French and Italian Governments. GREAT SIGNIFICANCE First Visit For 10 Years PARIS PAPERS REJOICE (Received January*3, 10.10 p.m.) London, January 3. Editorials emphasise that Al. Laval’s visit to Rome is even more significant and more important than the contents of the agreement which will possibly be reached. It is the first visit by a French Foreign Minister for 10 years. Paris newspapers also rejoice over Al. Laval’s visit to Rome. The “Petit Parisien” says: “We cannot congratulate ourselves too heartily on the re- 1 spit, which, while keeping our alliances intact, opens- such a favourable prospect for new friendships.” “Le Matin” sees in it'a vast hope for peace in Central Europe. It is admitted, however, that difficulties may lie ahead. “Long rivalries and suspicions cannot be effaced in a few days,” says “Le Journal." “The understanding which is developing is only the beginning:” Nevertheless, the paper is most optimistic of a successful outcome.