VISIT TO ROME

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 January 1939, Page 5

VISIT TO ROME

SUGGESTIONS BY LONDON “ TIMES ” “GAINS SHARED BY BOTH PEOPLES.” SPAIN AS STUMBLING BLOCK. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, January 16. In an attempt to assess the true value of Mr Chamberlain’s visit to Rome, “The Times” says: "It would be a profound mistake, just because the results were not spectacular, to describe them in terms of victory or defeat. Whatever gains have been made accrue to both and are shared by both peoples.” "The Times” adds that perhaps the greatest gain has been Signor Mussolini’s repeated assurance of his determination to work for European peace. It recognises that this does not imply that the Duce accepts the existing state of affairs between Italy and France in north-east Africa, but it may be assumed that the changes to be determined are not territorial and will not be pressed by threats of war.

"The Times" comments that it may safely be said, also, as far as British public opinion, is concerned, the changes are likely to be supported in inverse ratio to the amount of warlike pressure behind them.

Referring to the } civil war in Spain as a material stumbling block to progress, "The Times” says: "Large-scale participation by Italian troops continues to be the main obstacle, together with General Franco’s obstinacy to the effective application of the plan put forward by the Non-Inter-vention Committee and the time has not yet come when the British and Italian Governments can place the same construction on its principal provisions."

The article concludes: "Mr Chamberlain, by his successive visits to the Continent, has made the desire for peace articulate where it was not articulate before. That in itself is no mean achievement.”