MEDIATION TALK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 October 1939, Page 7

MEDIATION TALK

DR. SVEN HEDIN VISITS HITLER MOVE BY SCANDINAVIANS POSSIBLE. AT STOCKHOLM CONFERENCE. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. NEW YORK. October 17. The Berlin correspondent of I lie “New York Times'’ says neutral diplomatic circles in Berlin are convinced that important mediation intiative can be expected from the conference of Scandinavian Powers and Finland to open in Stockholm tomorrow. A visit made yesterday by Dr Sven Hedin. the Swedish explorer, to Herr Hitler is interpreted as representing a mission inspired by King Gustaf for the purpse of sounding out German official sentiment. It is believed Herr Hitler was sympathetic, but was insistent he had nothing to add to his Reichstag declaration. If Dr Sven Hedin has brought insufficient encouragement from the interview it is expected the conference will appeal to President Roosevelt or Signor Mussolini to approach the belligerents on the question of an early armistice. The Scandinavians are not expected to assume the ultimate responsibility for such a major diplomatic move, since they are too deeply involved in the domestic problems resulting from the blockade. As an explorer Dr Sven Hedin was known principally for his journeys in Asia, where on occasion he was given generous assistance by Britain before the last war. As a “diplomat” he became famed as a Scandinavian propagandist for Germany in the Great War,' and as an unofficial, but most active supporter of the German cause. ITALY’S POSITION REPORTED DECLARATION BY KING. LONDON, October 18. The “Daily Telegraph” says that the new Italian Amassador, Signor Bastianini, called on the Foreign Minister, Lord Halifax, today, and discussed the European situation. Signor Bastianini brought no precise proposals, but he assured Lord Halifax that Italy's good offices would always be available if the belligerent Governments should desire to end the war. The “Daily Mail’s” Geneva correspondent says that King Victor Emmanuel of Italy recently declared: “As long as I am the head of the House of Savoy. Italy will never take up arms against France.” AMERICAN OPINION ALLIED ACTION JUSTIFIED. Most Americans think the Allies were justified in rejecting Herr Hitler's peace proposals, a radio message states. This is reflected in the result of a poll conducted in the United Stat--1 c-s on Herr Hitler’s contention that, with the Polish question settled. Britain and France had no reason to continue the war. The poll showed that 14 per cent agreed with Hitler and that 86 per cent disagreed. RUMOURS DISCOUNTED NO DIRECT PEACE MOVE LIKELY. STOCKHOLM, October 18. The Kings of Norway, Sweden and Denmark and the President of Finland, whose conference opens today, are expected to reaffirm Scandinavia’s determination to remain neutral, but rumours of a direct move for peace are discounted. The conference will certainly discuss the Russian advance in the Baltic, but it is unlikely that Finland will receive a promise of military aid. STOCKHOLM MEETING AMERICAN MORAL SUPPORT. MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT. (Received This Day, 9.20 a.m.) WASHINGTON, October 18. Acting in concert with twenty other American republics, President Roosevelt sent a message to King Gustav of Sweden, placing American moral support behind the Stockholm conference's stand on Baltic neutrality. The message read: “The conference of Nordic States, convened by your Majesty, will be followed with deep interest by the Governments and people of the United States. Under the circumstances which exist, this Government joins the governments of other American republics in expressing support of the principles of neutrality and order under the law for which the nation's represented al Stockholm throughout history have taken a consistent stand.”