AT THE VATICAN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 January 1939, Page 5

AT THE VATICAN

BRITISH MINISTERS VISIT POPE. PRIVATE TALK FOR HALF AN HOUR. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 10.5 a.m.) ROME, January 13. Mr Chamberlain and Lord Halifax had a half-hour alone with the Pope, who is reported to have encouraged Mr Chamberlain to continue his efforts for European peace, settlement in Spain and assistance to Jewish refugees. t is understood that Mr Chamberlain expressed satisfaction with the Rome talks and remarked, that the Pope seemed in good health. BACK TO LONDON BRITISH MINISTERS' PLANS. FINAL ENGAGEMENTS IN ROME. (British Official Wireless., (Received This Day, 10.32 a.m.) RUGBY, January 13. Mr Chamberlain leaves Rome tomorrow and is expected to reach London on Sunday night. The ordinary weekly meetings of Cabinet will be resumed on Wednesday, when Mr Chamberlain and Lord Halifax will give their colleagues an account of their conversations in Rome.

The social engagements of the British Ministers in Rome ended tonight, with a banquet at the British Embassy, followed by a reception. Mr Chamberlain and Signor Mussolini met for a brief period and agreed on the text of a formal communique regarding the conversations. It is to be issued in Rome tomorrow.

Lord Halifax will sit on the League of Nations Council on Monday, but at subsequent meetings Mr R. A. Butler (Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs) will represent the United Kingdom.