ITALY’S POLICY

Evening Star, Issue 23380, 25 September 1939, Page 5

ITALY’S POLICY

NEUTRALITY DECISION STANDS SPEECH BY SlfiNOR MUSSOLINI ....... ROME, September 23. In his first speech since he took his t*w of silence, Signor Mussolini said that Italy has no reason to change the policy of neutrality fixed by the Cabinet on September 1. The British and French Governments, with the prudent intention of not spreading the conflict, had done nothing more to face Russia's fait accompli; but they had consequently compromised their moral justification in acting against the German fait accompli. The moment had arrived to end European hostilities, ' AMERICAN COMMENT A "PRO-ITALIAN" SPEECH NEW YORK, September 23. The Rome correspondent of the ' New York Times ' says the closest analysis of Signor Mussolini's speech gives no clue as to his reasons for continued insitence on uselessness of continuing the war. It is a mistake to regard the speech as particularly proGerman. Rather it is pro-Italian, for -Signor Mussolini wants the war ended now. Otherwise he intends to stay neutral. The reduction of the garrison on the Dodecanese Islands and a similar withdrawal of troops from the Greek frontier are directed at the maintenance of peace in the Balkans and the east Mediterranean, and as such can be regarded as a friendly gesture to Britain and France, the only threat to whom in that area comes from Italy. Thui, «■ the menace of war in the Balkan* increases, Italy's withdrawing could hardly be a clearer indication that whatever happens in the Balkans ItaJjr k remaining neutral,.