THE ITALIAN CLAIM TO TUNISIA AND CORSICA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 December 1938, Page 7

THE ITALIAN CLAIM TO TUNISIA AND CORSICA

Full Collaboration by Germany CRISIS EXPECTED IN FEBRUARY By Telegraph.—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.) LONDON. December 9. The Associated Press says a Dominion official, calling at the Dominions Office, was informed that the Italian claims to Tunisia and Corsica were part of a carefully organised plan, arranged with the full collaboration of Germany, and that a crisis could be expected in February. The official was told that the position was serious but not desperate. The Italian tactics will be almost identical with those used by Germany over the Sudetens. The German Press will join in the Italian campaign, which will reach its peak at the time of Mr Neville Chamberlain's visit to Rome. The danger of war is not considered great unless demonstrations lead to a serious incident. France is fully alive to such a possibility and has given Britain an assurance that she is exercising the greatest caution.

The reference to February coincides with Mr O. Pirow’s fears. Semi-official reports from Berlin show that German sympathisers with Britain earnestly hope that Britain will then be ready to resist fresh demands from the totalitarians. The opinion is also expressed that the advance- of the dictators can be checked if a strong stand is made.