OFFICIAL REPORT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 January 1939, Page 5

OFFICIAL REPORT

DISCUSSION OF MAJOR QUESTIONS CHARACTERISED BY GREATEST JCORDIALITY. BRITISH MINISTERS SATISFIED. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, January 14. An official communique issued in Rome states: “In the conversations during the last few days between Signor Mussolini and Mr Chamberlain, in which also Count Ciano and Lord Halifax took a part, major questions of moment and the relations between the two Empires were examined. “These conversations had been characterised by the greatest cordiality and led to a frank and wide exchange of views between the two countries in the spirit of friendship which animates the agreement of April 16. It was also decided to proceed at the earliest moment to the conclusion of the special conventions as set forth in that instrument.

“During the conversations there emerged once more the firm determination of Italy and Britain to pursue a policy which aims effectively at the maintenance of peace—a policy toward which the efforts of the two Governments have been and will continue to be directed.”

There is authority for stating that the British Ministers are thoroughly satisfied with the results of their visit and were much impressed with the frankness and cordiality displayed by the Duce in the course of the conversations and by his emphatic assurances of his earnest desire for the restoration and preservation of world peace.

Hopes were expressed by those close to Mr Chamberlain that these man-td-man talks in the intimacy of a private room have built a bridge over which later traffic of benefit to both countries might pass. In this respect it is confidently asserted (hat these contacts have fulfilled expectations. Both Mr Chamberlain and Lord Halifax will be present at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting when, it is assumed, the results of the visit will be discussed. ATTACK ON FRANCE MUSSOLINI’S “AMAZING DIATRIBES.” BRITISH PRIME MINISTER LEFT SPEECHLESS. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. (Received This Day, 9.50 a.m.) LONDON, January 15. Madame Tabouis, writing in the “Sunday Referee” alleges that while Signor Mussolini avoided details of any specific territorial claims, he delivered two amazing diatribes against France during the interviews of Wednesday and Thursday and Mr Chamberlain was left speechless, except to suggest that Italy must reduce her attacks against France if she wants negotiations.