NOT SURPRISED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 February 1939, Page 5

NOT SURPRISED

ITALY & ANGLO=FRFNCII UNITY

BITTER TIRADE ATTRIBUTED TO MUSSOLINI.

NO NEED TO ENTERTAIN ILLUSIONS.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, February 9.

The semi-official Italian publication. “Diplomatic Information.” declares that Mr Chamberlain, in his recent speech in the House of Commons, did not surprise responsible quarters when he stressed Anglo-French solidarity during his visit to Rome. The journal adds: “French antiFascists who in exaggerated jubilation refer to Italy's consternation,, malw a gross error. “Italy is not disturbed, because she has long recognised the existence of a real Anglo-French military alliance which is naturally defensive, but there is no need for us to entertain too many illusions as to its meaning.” Commenting on this declaration, the Rome correspondent of “The Times’” says it is always difficult to know what importance can be attached to communications from the “Diplomatic Information,” which is not merely semiofficial but is believed to be often drafted by Signor Mussolini himself. The best explanation of the present communique seems to be that it is an abrupt and spontaneous explosion corresponding to a passing mood. It betrays a bitterness which suggests that the realisation of Anglo-French military interdependence has surprised and disappointed Italy. The correspondent concludes from the article that Signor Mussolini is piqued by French newspaper comment.

A British official wireless message states that it is understood that the British Ambassador in Rome, Lord Perth, has received renewed assurances that recent Italian Press comment has no bearing on undertakings regarding the withdrawal of Italian troops in Spain given by Italy in the Rome agreement of April. Answering a question in the House of Commons regarding the calling up of 60,000 of the 1901 class of reservists in Italy,,the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr R. A. Butler, said that Lord Perth had been informed that this was a purely administrative measure without political significance. This class was the oldest class not engaged in the Great War and underwent its military training at a time when conditions were abnormal. It had been thought, therefore, that the retraining of certain men of this class would be desirable.