ITALY’S POSITION

Evening Star, Issue 23370, 13 September 1939, Page 9

ITALY’S POSITION

ADHERING RIGIDLY TO NONINTERVENTION SPECULATION AS TO ANOTHER DIPLOMATIC MOVE NEW YORK, September 12. /Received September 13, at 1.35 p.m.) The Rome correspondent of the ‘ New York Times ’ states that Britain and France are not expected to press Italy for a declaration of neutrality at present, but will accept her official stand of non-intervention in the European war. It is said that the time is not ripe for British and French diplomacy to make such a step,' especially. since Italy is adhering rigidly to her non-intervention policy. The English Ambassador, Sir Percy Lorraine, conferred with Count Ciano allegedly on “ affairs arising from Italy’s present position in the European conflict ” —namely, economic aspects inherent on Italy’s freedom of action. The non-belligerent contacts between Rome and Berlin, which are occurring daily, lead to the belief that another diplomatic move may be forthcoming, in which Signor Mussolini will mediate . between Germany and the democracies. It is certain that Signor Mussolini, however, will refuse unless he sees the possibility of concrete results. GOOD HARVEST IN BRITAIN BIG ADDITIONAL AREA TO GOME UNDER THE PLOUGH (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 12. (Received September 13, at 11 a.m.) 1 The recent fine weather throughout Britain enabled a good harvest to be gathered in perfect conditions. The Minister of Agriculture announced that an additional 1,600,000 acres must come under the plough in the coming year. Comparing the, present agricultural position with that of 1914, he said it ' was vastly superior. In regard to tractors, for example, there' was a marked improvement. Whereas in 1914 the tractors in use totalled only about 100, now 50,000 were available. ALL PLANS READY LONDON, September 12. (Received September 13, at 1 p.m.) A Ministry of Information communique states that the Minister of Agriculture, in a statement on war-time plans, says: "Another 1,500,000 acres must be brought under the plough in the coming year. We are attempting in one year what was achieved in four years in the last war.” The Ministry appeals for a general speeding up of all forms of farming, pointing out that the current harvest has turned out better than was expected. The statement, contrasting conditions now with 1914, adds: " This time things are different. Our plans are ready* Food, fuel, and other requisites are stored. Sixty thousand tractors are held privately, plus a reserve stock. We are in a far better position for ploughing in Britain than in 1918, when our last national effort reached its height.” Detailed instructions .follow for the best means of conserving and improving live stock, poultry, and so on, and an appeal is made to the kitchen gardener and allotment-holder to produce * poultry feed. BRITISH MEAT SUPPLIES SUFFICIENT IN MEANTIME LONDON, September 12. (Received September 13, at 11 a.m.)’ The Ministry of Food announce* that the supplies of meat are sufficient for all reasonable requirements, but possibly there will be some difficulty in securing particular, kinds. FOOD GIFT SUGGESTED AUSTRALIA'S RESOURCES CANBERRA, September 13. (Received September 13, at 1 p.m.)] Mr Curtin, resuming the debate on the Budget in the House of Representatives, suggested that, as Australia had immense food resources, the Budget should provide for a gift of’£l,ooo,ooo worth of food supplies to the people oI Britain. GALL TQ JEWISH PEOPLE SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY AT PRESENT TIME LONDON, September 12. (Received September 13, at 11.30 a.m.) 1 Dr Weizmann, president of the World Zionist Organisation, in a New Year message to the Jewish people, says:) - "In a world where human rights and dignity count once more the Jew will regain his right as a human being and as a citizen. The Jewish people can look forward to fulfilment of their historic right to he free to return to their homeland. Special responsibility lies upon our brethren in countries where we enjoy freedom of action.This hour demands from ns readiness for the utmost sacrifices to save our people and --their historic hopes from destruction.”