BRITAIN WATCHING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 April 1939, Page 7

BRITAIN WATCHING

ITALIAN INTERESTS SAID TO BE THREATENED DIFFICULTIES IN TALKS WITH KING ZOG. STATEMENT BY MR CHAMBERLAIN. (British Official Wireless., RUGBY. April 6. Britain is closely watching all developments regarding Albania. Mr Chamberlain stated this in the House of Commons today after imparting the latest information in his possession. It had just been learned, he said, that an Italian cruiser, and two smaller warships arrived at the Albanian port of Durazzo early in the morning. In his statement the Prime Minister said that when the British Ambassador in Rome, Lord Perth, saw'the Italian Foreign Minister. Count Ciano, on Tuesday the latter said that King Zog himself suggested on March 8 that the existing treaty of alliance between Italy and Albania should be strengthened. Discussions on that point had since been taking place between the two Governments. It appeared, however, that in the course of negotiations certain difficulties arose, the nature of which was not quite plain, and, according to Count Ciano, Italian interests had been threatened. The Foreign Office had not yet received a detailed account of the point of view of Albania, but had just received from that Government a denial of any report that it had accepted conditions incompatible with Albanian sovereignty and national integrity. The British Minister in Durazzo had reported that all was quiet there up to 8 a.m. today. Mr Chamberlain said that Britain had had no communication with Yugoslavia r on the matter. Replying to a question, Mr Chamberlain said that Britain had no direct interests in Albania, but had general interest in the peace of the world. He also expressed the .opinion that Italy was well aware of the terms of the Anglo-Italian agreement. KING’S ACTIVITIES ALLEGATIONS BY ITALY. ATTEMPT TO JUSTIFY ACTION. By Telegraph--Press Association -Copyright. (Received This Day, 9.50 a.m.) ROME, April 7. Signor Virgino Gayda, writing in the “Giornale d’ltalia,” says King Zog’s activities strained Italian-Albanian relations in recent months. King Zog wished to rule as a feudal, tyrannical lord, unmindful of the elementary needs of his people. He was greedy for money, for his own caprices and ambitions. He was an irresponsible animator of internal discord and international intrigue. King Zog was an implacable enemy of Albanians not belonging to his political gang. It is alleged that King Zog planned a coup against Yugoslavia, in order to disturb Italian-Yugoslavian (relations.

WHITEHALL RETICENT AWAIIIhU urriUlAL KtHUKIS. REPORTED ITALIAN ASSURANCES. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrigh: (Received This Day. 9.55 a.m.) LONDON, April 7. Whitehall circles feel it is essential to await crystallisation and official reports before expressing any considered judgment regarding Albanian events. It is recalled that Italy on Tuesday and Wednesday assured Britain that she had no wish whatever to change the status quo of Albania. BELGRADE’S HOPES COUNCIL OF MINISTERS TO MEET. INTERESTS IN THE ADRIATIC. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 10.50 a.m.) BELGRADE, April 7. All members of Cabinet have been ordered to stay in the capital. A council of Ministers is being held this afternoon. The Government later will announce steps to safeguard Jugoslav interests in the Adriatic and expresses the hope that Italians will not take action likely to affect these interests NEW PROPOSALS SAID TO HAVE BEEN MADE BY ALBANIA. FORWARDED TO MUSSOLINI. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. (Received This Day, 9.25 a.m.) TIRANA. April 7. It is alleged that Albania has made new proposals for settlement to Italy, which it is reported have been forwarded to Rome for Signor Mussolini to study. STAFF TALKS GERMAN & ITALIAN CHIEFS CONFER. FIELD-MARSHAL GOERING’S MOVEMENTS. LONDON. April 6. A communique issued in Berlin states that staff talks are proceeding al Innsbruck between the Chief of the German General Staff, General Keitel, and General Pariana, Chief of the Italian General Staff. Field-Marshal Goering has left Berlin for Tripoli, and is expected to meet Signor Mussolini in Rome tomorrow. Prince Phillip of Hesse brought a confidential message from Herr Hitler fof Field-Marshal Goering before his departure for Rome.