CLOSE BONDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 May 1939, Page 5

CLOSE BONDS

THE ITAL()=GERMAN PACT SOME REPORTED DETAILS. MILITARY UNIFICATION OF NATIONS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. BERLIN, May 22. The Italian Foreign Minister, Count Ciano, arrived here yesterday to sign the Italo-German military pact drawn up a fortnight ago in Milan. The pact will be signed today by Count Ciano and Herr von Ribbentrop, German Foreign Minister. It is understood that its provisions are as follows: — (1) The pact will last 10 years, after which it will be renewable. (2) It will become operative when signed. (3) Each party must unconditionally aid the other if involved in' war, when consultation will be limited to military matters. (4) War guilt must not be discussed. ‘5) Neither party may sign a separate peace or remain neutral if the other is involved. It is understood that supplementary pacts provide for naval and aerial cooperation. Germany will hold the supreme command.

JOINT STATEMENT ALLIANCE DESIGNED FOR PEACE. NO RETIREMENT IN FACE OF THREATS. (Received This Day, 9.25 a.m.) BERLIN, May 22. Herr von Ribbentrop and Count Ciano issued a, statement to the Foreign Press, after signing the alliance, saying it was designed to maintain European peace, and that there was not a single problem that could not be solved peacefully or any reasons justifying war in Europe, which would develop into a world-wide conflict. The statement added that Italy and Germany were determined not to recede a single step in the face of threats, but would defend their rights at all costs. , Herr Hitler, Signor Mussolini and King Emmanuel exchanged congratulatory telegrams: APPROVAL IN JAPAN. FOREIGN OFFICE STATEMENT. (Reecived This Day, 9.25 a.m.) TOKIO, May 22. A Foreign Office spokesman said the Italo-German pact was a great contribution to peace. Japan was glad of this for her relations with the Axis were bound. up in the closest collaboration with the spirit of the AntiComintern Pact.

SECRET ANNEXES ITALY TO MAINTAIN HUGE FORCE. (Received This Day, 11.0 a.mJ ROME, May 22. Signor- Gayda reveals that there are two secret annexes to the Italo-German Pact under which Italy can be assured of maintaining sixty-three divisions of troops and twelve divisions of-frontier-guards. DECORATIONS BESTOWED. (Received This Day, 11.0 a.m.) BERLIN, May 22. Count Ciano is the first recipient of Germany’s new decoration, the First Class Gold Cross of the Eagle. Herr von Ribbentrop received the Italian order of the Holy Annunciation not previously bestowed on a foreigner of common blood.