MUSSOLINI’S PLAN

Hokitika Guardian, 22 March 1933, Page 5

MUSSOLINI’S PLAN

TEN YEAR’S TRUCE

THE PROVISIONS OF THE SCHEME

s United Press Association—By Electric '1 eiegraph—Copyright;

LONDON, March 21.

The “Daily Teiegrapli’s” French correspondent, claiming to give an accurate summary of bignor Mussolini’s draft peace plan, says: The plan provides first that it shall be effective for ten years, and that it shall continuu in force automatically l’or another ten years, unless there is one year’s notice given by the signatory powers which would declare that, as provided in the League Covenant, revision of treaties may he sought.

Secondly, under the plan, France, Britain, Germany and Italy declarp that the time lias come to carry into practice the principle, already recognised, of the full and equal rights of Germany. ■ The correspondent adds; It is pro liable,that France will approve of the aims of Signor Mussolini and Mr Ramsay MacDonald, but that she will reserve the right to suggest amendments that would make the draft acceptable to her Allies, and in harmony with her view on disarmament,

A DENIAL BY MR MACDONALD-

OUT FOR AN AGREEMENT.

ROME, March 21

Mr MacDonald denied the reports purporting to give the contents of the pact saying: “There is no pact. The whole idea is to open up the possibility of a complete agreement by all the nations concerned, not merely two or three Powers.

“I am firmly convinced, after the conversations at Geneva and Rome, that the views of the various statesmen can be co-ordinated in a general agreement. We are out l'or an agreement and not an imposed peace. Agreement with France and Germany is essential. If we leave out any Power we are beaten. America will certainly be informed.” .Signor Mussolini farewelled' (Mir MacDonald and Miss Ishbel at the station, with the Fascist salute.

CHANGE IN FRENCH ATTITUDE.

ROME MOVEMENT IMPORTANT.

LONDON, March 21

The latest news from Paris indicates that there has been a change oi the attitude which it had been hitherto assumed that France will take as regards the new Anglo-Italian Peace Plan. It is stated that M. Daladiet* (Prime Minister of France) and M, Boncour (Foreign Minister) will assure Mr Ramsay MacDonald and Sir John Simon of thei? warm, support of the plan, • It is learned that they consider the Rome movement to be of the utmost importance, they believing that such re-affirmation of the ban on the use of force will produce the happiest psychological effect at the present juncture, and will make a big contribution towards the re-establishment oi confidence.

CONFLICTING FRENCH VIEWS.

CONCERN FOR SMALLER ALLIES

PARIS, March 21

The French newspapers are critical of Signor MjussoliniVs project ,for a European agreement on the ground that it conflicts with the League of Nations, and that it concentrates power in the hands of only four nations, to the detriment of the smaller countries. The French commentators detest, however, .an Italian desire for an understanding with France, owing to Italian disappointment over the developments in connection with Hitlerism, and also to a recognition that Italy has nothing to gain from the revival of the German military menace. The paper “Le Temps” asks: “Can France deliberately ignore her alliances with Poland and with the Little Entente in order to rely upon the sole decision of the four principal Powers for the reconstruction of Europe? Such an idea arouses fear. France, who has built up these alliances at great cost is not prepared to abandon them at such a critical time.

INFLUENCE ON STOCK EXCHANGE

RUGBY, March 21. In reply to a question, Mr Baldwin stated, in the Commons, that Mr MacDonald will reach London on Wednesday, to make a statement on the results of his Rome visit on Thursday.

The result of the Rome conversations exercised a favourable influence on the foreign bond market on the London stock exchange. Among others, German issues showed substantial improvement. British funds continued to advance, with War Loan 3-1 per cent, at £IOOS. South African mining shares also improved.

PRINCIPAL POINTS OF PLAN

EUROPEAN PEACE CO-OPERATION

(Received March 22 at 10.14 a.m.)

PARIS, March 4

Newsimners state that the principal point • of Ale-solini’s plan art": First!-, ten years’ co-onoration in Europe in the spirit rf the Kellogg Pact, extending to the colonies; secondly, revision of price treaties in accordance with the League Covenant; thirdly,

Anglo-French-Italian recognition of Germany’s equality, and giving immediate effect thereto; fourthly, Germany shall he enabled to re-organise her military forces on equality with t!V;e rest of Eu|rr<pe, this principal also to "fply to Austiia, Hungary, and Bulgaria.