MISSOURI’S SPEECH

Evening Star, Issue 23380, 25 September 1939, Page 7

MISSOURI’S SPEECH

CREATES GREAT INTEREST IN FRANCE APPRECIATION OF PEACE EFFORTS PARIS, September 24. (Received September 25, at 11 a.m.) A semi-official statement commenting on Signor Mussolini’s speech states: “ Great interest is taken in the speech here and the indications contained in it or. Italys’ attitude. Signor Mussolini’s action with a view to maintaining peace—for example, his move on September I—has been highly appreciated by the French Government. The reply the latter made to the Italian Note gave evidence of this appreciation.”

The statement adds that German aggression, leading to English and French participation, also the putting into effect of the German military plan, minutely prepared beforehand, also the partition of Poland and many other events following the initiative taken by Italy, created a new condition in Europe. The British and French Governments have already made known their position with the utmost clarity. The statements by Mr Chamberlain and M. Daladior defined once and for all the position of the Allies. ITALY’S " PEACE OFFENSIVE " RENEWED SYMPATHY FOR GERMANY STILL EXISTS LONDON, September 24. (Received September 25, at 1.5 p.m.) The Rome correspondent of ‘ The "Times ’ states that the Italian ” peace offensive ” was rekindled after 11 Duce’s speech. Strong sympathy for Germany still exists in influential circles, also increasing impatience with England and France in their unwillingness “ to recognise realities.” The newspapers are trying to enlist neutrals and remind them that Italian intervention would entail a war-like upheaval in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. Meantime Italy is increasing her military preparations. FULL TEXT NOT RECEIVED IN BRITAIN . MINISTRY OF INFORMATION STATEMENT (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 24. (Received September 25, at 1.30 p.m.) The following comment" on Signor Mussolini’s speech was made available by the Ministry of Information:— “ The full text of Signor Mussolini’s speech has not yet been received through official channels. Official circles, however, understand and appreciate the sincerity of Signor Mussolini’s motives, and] the Prime Minister has already expressed appreciation of what Signor Mussolini attempted to do prior to the outbreak of war to reach a solution The suggestion that by not spreading the conflict further in view of the Russian fait accompli Britain and Franco have compromised their moral justification for attempting to annul the German fait accompli, is not understood here. The British people’s decision to declare war was indeed the direct consequence of the invasion of Poland, but the invasion of Poland was itself but a further illustration of lawlessness in international affairs which it is the principal purpose of this country to resist. As the Prime Minister said last week in Parliament: ‘ Our general purpose in this struggle is well known. It is to redeem Europe from the perpetual and recurring fear of German aggression and enable the peoples of Europe to preserve their independence and liberties.’ Whatever, therefore, may be the results of the Russian action in Poland, this purpose remains unaffected and will be prosecuted with unflinching determination.”

A " BEAUTIFUL SIGHT " BOMBING OF LEMBERG BERLIN, September 22. An official wireless broadcast says that a German pilot participating in the bombing of Lemberg saw " a whole town of fire and smoke— a more tiful picture, than 1 ever conceived possible. 1 had the good luck to see a railway station and several trains blown up. They were scattered in all directions." DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRANSPORT APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCED LONDON, September 24. (Received September 25, at 10.50 a.m.) A Ministry of Information communique states: " Mr G. S. Szlumper (general manager of the Southern Railway) has been appointed Director-General of Transportation and Movement at the War Office."

GREEK PRECAUTIONS BUILDING UP AIR SERVICE LONDON, September 24. (Received September 25, at noon.) The ‘ Exchange’s ’ Athens correspondent states that 2,500 volunteers are sought as aviators and technicians.