BRITISH SECRET MISSION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 May 1938, Page 7

BRITISH SECRET MISSION

TO BERLIN AND ITALY No Indication Given of Objects “BRITAIN’S FORLORN CHANCE.” By Telegraph—Press Association. —Copyright. (Recd This Day, 9.35 a.m.) LONDON, May 13. The Australian Associated Press understands that Sir Leith Ross has gone to Rome and Berlin on a secret mission. No indication of his objects has leaked out but it is believed he is going to Rome as a sequel to the Anglo-Italian Agreement. Italy’s economic position, seriously weakened by the strain of rearmament and the wars in Abyssinia and Spain is intensified by a drought, which is considerably reducing agricultural production which is the mainstay of Italian exports. It is believed that if Signor Mussolini faithfully adheres to the agreement Mr Chamberlain will be sympathetic to Italy securing credits on a strictly business basis. It is thought Mr Chamberlain, who is still anxious for economic appeasement in Europe, considers that despite the deadlock in Anglo-German political negotiations, there is a, forlorn chance of opening economic discussions with Germany.

GOVERNMENT’S POLICY

ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF PEACE.

(British Official Wireless.) (Recd This Day, 10.8 a.m.) RUGBY, May 13. The establishment and the maintenance of peace was described by the Prime Minister, Mr Chamberlain, as the main object of the Government’s policy when he addressed a mass meeting of women Conservatives. Rearmament to put the country in a position in which it would not be worth anyone’s while to attack us was one half of the peace policy. The other was to discover the likely causes of war and remove them. This agreement with Italy has resulted in a perceptible easing of the tension and the approval with which it has been received shows that it is generally recognised that it is a strong step forward in the direction of general appeasement and peace.