ROME AND CANBERRA

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 550, 31 December 1928, Page 9

ROME AND CANBERRA

DISCUSSION OF CONSULATE INCIDENT DIPLOMATIC COMPLICATIONS (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) LONDON, Sunday. The Italian Government has not discussed with, the British Government the question of the removal of the coat-of-arms from the Italian Consulate at Innisfail, Queenslana. It is expected that any action taken in me matter will be direct between Rome and Canberra or Brisbane. The Koreign Office has no inclination to discuss the question, but there seems to be a definite desire here not to be at present involved. A Whitehall official intimated that the matter rested solely between Italy and Australia, who must settle it themselves. It is likely that if the matter is referred here it will be referred back to Australia, although if the Australian and Italian Governments are not able to settle it mutually and satisfactorily, then British diplomacy would be available if desired. The newspaper ‘‘II "Pooolo dTtalia” says the fight, against Italian workmen in Australia has all the appearance of open hostility against Italy. Such violent acts, even if the work of an irresponsible individual, are the consequences of deplorable legal measus;s. The sources of these provocations will be found in brutal and ungenerous anti-Italian agitation.