DICTATORS MEET

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24422, 7 October 1940, Page 7

DICTATORS MEET

PLANS FOR LONG WAR? FAILURE OF “BLITZKRIEG” ATTENTION TO AFRICA (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, Oct. 5. (Received Oct. 6, at 9.10 p.m.) A Berlin message states that the German press unanimously declares that Europe and Africa represent a whole for which the Axis will make its political and military decisions in one inclusive programme for action. The Brenner Pass conference definitely shaped the picture of the new Europe to include Africa A Rome message states that it is denied that the meeting at Brenner Pass between Mussolini and Hitler was in any way related to a peace move. It is also denied that German troops are participating in Marshal Graziani’s offensive. The pnly German detachment in Africa is a company of volunteers from German residents in Abyssinia.

A Decisive Stage The Rome radio stated that Hitler and Mussolini discussed the military and political programme fo the war, which had reached a decisive stage. “ The world will soon see its outcome,” the radio announced, ” but definitely there will be no plotting against any nation not involved. This meeting at this historic moment is of vast importance. ' The leaders have not fixed the date of victory—the two nation, will achieve this whenever the decision comes.” The Brenner talks ended after 2 hours 40 minutes. A communique stated: “ Within the framework of a routine exchange of views, the Duce and the Fuhrer met for a cordial meeting conducted in the spirit of the Axis leaders in the presence of Count Ciano and Herr von Ribbentrop. They studied all problems of interest to the two countries. Genera] von Keitel was present during the last part of the conversation The talks were continued during luncheon, at which the Foreign Ministers were also present.” The trains in which Hitler and Mussolini travelled to th conference were heavily armoured. Fighter planes patrolled overhead Failure of German Plans The Italian newspaper Popolo di Roma says Mussolini and Hitler probably discussed a joint plan for a long war. It ■’dds: “No compromise is possible, as victory is the only aim of the Axis. Britain is worried because time is working against her, and not for her. Consequently Italy and Germany do not fear a long war." The Associated Press version says the Popolo di Roma talked of the failure of the German plans to invade Britain, in consequence of which Italy and Germany lost the possibility of a short war. Berlin authorities are most reticent regarding the meeting, and expressed indignation that it was revealed prematurely They said the Fuhrer’s movements were a military secret, and threatened to invoke the espionage laws, “ which apply to foreign 'ournaiists the same as others.’ Spain Not Expected to Enter The most advertised early result of this Axis activity was the signature of the German-Italian-Japan-ese Pact. It was coincident with the visit to Berlin and Rome of Senor Suner, the prolongation of whose stay in Rome until to-morrow, it has been somewhat ostentatiously stated, has nothing to do with any political developments. There is no indication of any intention by Spain to modify its policy of non-belligerence, and it is noted here that the Italian press now generally assumes that Spain’s entry into the war as an armed participant is not expected. American press speculation as to the topics of the Brenner discussion suggest that, in view of the failure of the invasion plan and the miscalculation of the results of the aerial bombardment of London and the heavy losses suffered in the raids on Britain, the dictators explored the possibilities of an offensive in other directions, including Egypt. A Stockholm message stated that the Berlin correspondent of the Svenska Dagbladet says the Brenner Pass meeting was reported to have been called to discuss the advisability of supporting a peace move with the Pope as intermediary. Foreign circles in Rome were informed that Mai’shal Graziani, Italian commander in North Africa, returned here to consult with Signor Mussolini regarding Axis plans.