MINISTERS DEPART

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 January 1939, Page 5

MINISTERS DEPART

FIRST STAGE OF JOURNEY

TO ROME

LONDON’S FAREWELL

FRIENDLY AND HOSTILE DEMONSTRATIONS. POLICE CHASE THROUGH STATION HALL. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 9.0 a.m.) LONDON. January 10. Amid boos and catcalls from Left Wing demonstrators and unemployed at one end of the platform, and the cheering of supporters at the entrance to their compartment Mr Neville Chamberlain and Viscount Halifax left Victoria Station at 11 a.m. for Paris, on the first stage of the Rome visit; Unemployed demonstrators, carrying the famous black coffin, tried to rush the platform, shouting: “Appease the unemployed, not Mussolini!”, but police halted them, smashed their coffin and pursued the demonstrators through the entrance hall.

COMPLETE IDENTITY BRITISH &,FRENCH AIMS. MEETING AT QUAI D’ORSAY. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.15 a.m.) RUGBY, January 10. The following communique was issued in Paris: “On their way through Paris, en route to Rome, Mr Chamberlain and Lord Halifax took the opportunity to have an interview at the Quai D’Orsay with M.M. Daladier and Bonnet. This conversation confirmed the complete identity of general views established between the two Governments.” IDEAS IN ROME ENGLAND AS FRIEND. AND FRANCE AS ENEMY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 9.0 a.m.) ROME, January 10. • The newspapers devote their main pages to the British visit, hailing England as Italy's understanding friend, unlike France which today is her enemy.

COMMENT IN LONDON

EXPECTATION OF ITALIAN DEMANDS. BACKED BY GERMANY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, January 9. A wide range of urgent questions is expected to be discussed in Rome during the next three days between Signor Mussolini and Mr who is ready to enter into conversations on all problems at present occupying the minds of the world’s statesmen.

The possibility of far-reaching demands from Italy, backed by Germany, is not excluded by London political observers.

The diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” states that Mr Chamberlain has no special objects in going to Rome, except to restore peace throughout the world. That being so, he is bound to discuss with Signor Mussolini the following points:—

(1) The question of Spain, with reference to the continued Italouerman intervention. While categoric assurances of a complete withdrawal from Spain might encourage Mr Chamberlain to declare that a more favourable situation had thereby been created for a discussion of other questions, there was no question of bargaining on the issue. (2) Italy’s claims against France, on which Britain is bound to declare that territorial changes would be contrary to the Anglo-Italian Agreement. (3) The Jewish refugee problem, practical plans for the settlement of which will be discussed if there is a constructive spirit in Rome. (4) General aspects of the European outlook. (5) Economic questions, which will be discussed if Italy indicates a readiness to collaborate in turning swords into ploughshares.