DESIRE FOR PEACE

Evening Post, Issue 126, 29 May 1936, Page 9

DESIRE FOR PEACE

INTERVIEW WITH DUCE

NO NEED FOR ARMAMENTS

RACE

LEAGUE CAN CONTINUE IF.

REFORMED

United Tress Association—My Electric Tele-

graph—Copyright. LONDON, May 27. The "Daily Telegraph's" diplomatic correspondent says that in the course of aii interview with Signor Mussolini at Rome lie elicited that the Duce would respect the independence of Albania and take no initiative regarding the Mediterranean while sanctions continued, but thereafter he would try to reach a peaceful understanding. Meanwhile Mediterranean States nee,d fear nothing. Italy would observe her treaties of friendship with Greece and Turkey and would profit by Britain's experience in India in organising her East African empire.

Italy did not require a black army in Europe and Africa, because she could mobilise 2,000,000 soldiers within her own borders. Addis Ababa would remain the Abyssinian capital. Conversations might be advisable in order to harmonise British and French economic interests with those of Italy. Britain's interests in Lake Tana would be respected. There need be no armaments race. The Libyan garrison would remain until the situation eased and would be repatriated when the British Fleet was withdrawn. Signor Mussolini was willing to do everything to promote an Anglo-Italian rapprochement. •

Italy's attitude towards Austrian independence was unchanged. The League could continue if it reformed itself, but if sanctions continued the question of Italy's withdrawal would become urgent. On the contrary, their cessation would lead to the stabilisation of Europe. Fascist Italy wanted peace. ,