PEACE TALK IN ROME

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 January 1939, Page 5

PEACE TALK IN ROME

MR CHAMBERLAIN DEFINES HIS AIMS Friendship with All and Enmity with None CORDIAL EXCHANGES WITH SIGNOR MUSSOLINI By Telegraph.—Press Association.— Copyright. ROME. January 12. "I come here in pursuit of the policy for which I stand —the policy of friendship with all and enmity with none, a policy directed to a just and peaceful solution of international difficulties by the method of negotiation,” said Mr Chamberlain in reply to Signor Mussolini at the State banquet given iri honour of the British delegation here last night. “I am nappy to think that our two Governments have been able to give concrete expression to this policy, ’ he continued, foi it was in this spirit that they concluded last spring the Anglo-Italian Agreement which has just been put into force. “It is noteworthy that, as one of the first fruits of the Agreement, the two Governments were able yesterday, here and in London, to proceed to make the exchange of military information for which the Agreement provides. “Convinced as we are that our interests in the Mediterranean, while of vital importance to us both, yet need in no way conflict with one another, we believe that the Agreement has opened a new chapter of friendship and confidence between us, which should be fruitful for the future stability of Europe.” Mr Chamberlain opened his speech with thanks for the waimth of the reception given to the delegation. He expressed his pleasure at seeing with his own eyes the new Italy, powerful and progressive, and expressed the indebtedness of all to Signor Mussolini for his help and co-operation, “which contributed so decisively to the peaceful results of the Munich Conference.”

Speaking before Mr Chamberlain, Signor Mussolini said: “I greet you as most welcome guests, representing a great and friendly nation, and I express the sympathy with which Italy follows your endeavours.”

The spirit of comprehension and firmness with which Mr Chamberlain had collaborated for a just solution of problems threatening the life of Europe in September and the tenacity with which he had pursued his peaceprogramme had been most sincere, continued the Duce, and had obtained the sincerest appreciation of Italy, which had always believed in - peace founded on justice.

The Anglo-Italian accord had put the relationship between Italy and Britain on a solid basis, not only constituting a new phase of friendship and understanding of the new Mediterranean and African realities, but opening a new road for collaboration which was a necessary element for European peace. ‘‘We hope it will be lasting and fruitful," said the Duce. During the short but cordial conversations at the Palazzo Venezia, which took place before the banquet yesterday, Signor Mussolini constantly reassured Mr Chamberlain of his desire for peace. It is not clear whether he indicated any of the concessions which Italy expects as a contribution to this. It is believed that Spain was not discussed.

Well-informed Italian diplomatic writers state that Mr Chamberlain made reference* to the Franco-Italian position, and suggested that Italy would be well advised to moderate the tone of the Press campaign against France, after which she could consider the opening of bilateral talks with France. After adoption of such a policy it is suggested, Britain might be prepared to support some of the Italian claims, excluding territorial concessions.

LITTLE INFORMATION BOTH SIDES SPEAKING FRANKLY. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day. 10.20 a.m.) RUGBY, January 12. Little information is available regarding the Rome conversations apart from the fact that both sides spoke frankly and fully of the need of preserving peace. This evening's resumed conversations lasted for an hour. EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION. TERMS OF ROME AGREEMENT. (Received This Day, 10.20 a.m.) LONDON. January 12. The statement in Mr Chamberlain's Rome speech that Britain and Italy had proceeded to exchange military information recalls the terms of the second annexe to the Rome Agreement, providing for an exchange of information regarding any major prospective, administrative movements or re-distri-bution of the naval, military or air forces of the two countries, stationed in or based on the oversea possessions of either party in. or having a seaboard on. the Mediterranean. Red Sea, or Gulf of Aden, or in or upon certain territories in North-East and East Africa.