ITALIAN NEUTRALITY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 September 1939, Page 7

ITALIAN NEUTRALITY

MAY FAVOUR THE ALLIES OPTIMISTIC VIEW TAKEN IN FRANCE. i CIANO ANGERED BY NAZI ACTION. PARIS, September 11. It is officially announced that the Ambassador to Italy, M Francois Poncet, reported that the Italian neutrality might favour the Allies. The Italian Foreign Minister, Count Ciano, is angry over the disclosure by the German Foreign Minister, Herr von Ribbentrop, at the Salzburg Conference last month of the German plans to settle the Polish dispute by force, disregarding assurances to Italy there would not be war over it. MUSSOLINI BUSY REPORTED DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITIES. NEW YORK, September 11. The “New York Times” Rome correspondent says that while the Press is criticising England’s conduct of the war against Germany, the Italian Government is leaving nothing undone to keep strict neutrality. It is clear from the way that Italians are asked not to take sides in the present war that Signor Mussolini has d plan which he does not want' to. jeopardise by any popular manifestations for any Power. In the meantime his diplomatic activity continues .apace. It has just been learned that he had a half-hour conversation with the Japanese Ambassador, Mr Shiratori, on Friday, and yesterday the Japanese Ambassador in Berlin, Mr Oshima, arrived. This is cosidered significant, as it is known that the Japanese Ambassadors in Rome and Berlin have steadfastly coordinated their activity. WAR SITUATION WEEKLY REVIEW BY BRITISH PREMIER. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 11. At a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday a statement on the developments in the war situation since last Tuesday as full as is consistent with the public interest will be made by the Prime Minister, Mr Chamberlain. It is expected that a similar review will be made at least once a week in Parliament. The Government’s intentions regarding the national register will also be revealed on Wednesday.