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Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 135, 8 May 1940, Page 7

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“TEST ALREADY STARTED.” LONDON, May 7. Marshal llalbo’s newspaper, Ccrriore Padano, which usually reflects the view of the high army officers, solemnly warns Britain and France that they will add error to error and get a big surprise if they seek revenge in the Mediterranean for events in the North Sea. On the other hand, the correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain in a message from Alexandria quotes a British official as saying: “We are ready to meet Italy on land, sea or air if she decides to fight. The answer to that question will be clear next week, as the test has already started.”

Considerable interest is attached to the visit by the ItTilian 'Crown Prince and Princess to the Vatican, because it is generally inferred that the Prince’s interview with the Pope ■strengthens the Papal effort for the preservation of Mediterranean peace. Signor Mussolini later received the Crown Prince, after which it was officially announced that they discussed war preparedness. >’ Egypt is taking further precautions. She has introduced universal conscription, tightened up the passport control system and also the supervision of the private possessions of firearms and explosives. Security measures have been intensified in the Suez Canal zone. Np,'body may now enter or leave Egypt without a special permit, ■ and the police may search private houses if they suspect that arms are being, hidden. According to a French Havas Agency message, a group of about 100 students at Milan demonstrated against the British and French Consulates; The British Ambassador (Sir Percy Loraine) has arrived in Rome, from London. He is expected to see. Signor Mussolini to-day, or to-morrow. A report from Alexandria states that more Allied warships have arrived there to strengthen the fleet which arrived a few days ago. The Balkan Entente Powers (Greece, Turkey, Rumania and Yugoslavia) are holding an economic congress in Yugoslavia from May 22 until June 7.