DIPLOMATIC STIR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 April 1939, Page 7

DIPLOMATIC STIR

ACTIVITY IN EUROPEAN CAPITALS RUMANIAN MINISTER ON WAY TO LONDON. FOLLOWING ON VISIT TO BERLIN By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. LONDON, April 18. Diplomatic activity continues in Europe’s capitals. The Rumanian For- . eign Minister, Dr Gafencu, has concluded his conversations in Berlin and is on his way to London. The Bucharest correspondent of “The Times” says that the economic reinforcement of the western guarantee, including the question of military supplies, is likely to be the main topic of discussions in London with Dr Gafencu. Apparently there will be an emphatic assurance of Turkish support in therevent of an attack by Bulgaria on Dobruja. At the conclusion of Dr Gafencu’s talks in Berlin with Herr von Ribbentrop, German Foreign Minister, an official communique was issued which stated: “The course of the conversation was conducted in a spirit of friendship and far-reaching similarity of views on questions concerning the two countries was ascertained” Herr von Ribbentrop, in proposing the toast of Dr Gafencu at a dinner in the evening, said he was convinced that the conversation would contribute toward extending and deepening the friendly relations existing between two peoples. BRITAIN RESOLVED MINISTER WARNS GERMANY. PREVENTION OF FURTHER AGGRESSION. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, April 18. Earl de la Warr, president of the Board of Education, speaking in Edinburgh today, said: “There is no hostility or bitterness in this country against the German people, but there is a spirit of determination to prevent further aggression which any wise nation will hesitate to challenge.” MINISTRY OF SUPPLY MR CHAMBERLAIN’S REPORTED DECISION. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright LONDON, April 18 The “Daily Telegraph’s” political correspondent understands that Mr Chamberlain has decided to establish a Ministry of Supply and Munitions and that the Cabinet will endorse the decision today. The political correspondent of “The Times” points out that the increase in the Territorials has lent new urgency to the supply question and that it has been found necessary to create an organisation to supervise the supply of equipment. It will mainly benefit the War Office, but it would develop into a Ministry of Supply in the event of war. “NO INFORMATION” MILITARY DEVELOPMENTS IN SPAIN. BRITISH OFFICIAL STATEMENT (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, April 18. The Foreign Under-Secretary, Mr R. A. Butler, told the House of Commons today that the Government had no information about the construction of new aeroplane bases or fortifications in Spain, either near the Pyrenees frontier or in the neighbourhood of Gibraltar. SAYING NOTHING DUCE AND THE ROOSEVELT PEACE APPEAL. LEAVING REPLY TO HITLER. LONDON, April 18. The Rome correspondent of the British United Press states that it is learned from a high Fascist source that Signor Mussolini has decided to ignore President Roosevelt’s message and to leave Herr Hitler to reply for Italy and Germany. TALKS WITH RUSSIA REGARDED AS SATISFACTORY IN FRANCE. ASSURANCE REGARDING TANGIER. (Received This Day, 10.20 a.m.) PARIS, April 19. The Foreign Minister, M. Georges Bonnet, at a meeting of the Chamber of Deputies’ Foreign Affairs Committee, said discussions between England France and the Soviet had been most satisfactory. The Spanish Ambassador had given an assurance that there would be no Italian or Spanish move against Tangier, also that the Italians will, withdraw from Spain after the victory parade. It is reported that M. Souritz is being recalled to Moscow. TROOPS IN MOROCCO. MANY ITALIANS ARRIVE. (Received This Day, 10.20 a.m.) PARIS, April 19. A report from the Tangier correspondent of the “Soir” states that large contingents of Italians arrived at Tetuan on Tuesday from Seville; also 7000 Italians, wearing Spanish Foreign Legion uniforms, were digging trenches and mining bridges at Oudja. The report adds that no action can be expected. as the purpose of the troops appears to be to neutralise Morocco.