POPE’S EFFORTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 January 1940, Page 5

POPE’S EFFORTS

DETACHMENT OF ITALY FROM GERMANY NAZIS SAID TO BE TAKING ALARM MUSSOLINI’S REPORTED ATTITUDE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received January 1, 7.5 p.m.) NEW YORK. December 29. The “New York Times” Rome correspondent says it is learned that Herr von Mackensen, German Ambassador to Italy, is reporting to Herr Hitler on what must seem to Germany to be an alarming exetnsion of the good relations between Italy and the Vatican. Informed circles generally consider that the Pope is making a determined effort to separate Italy and Germany. Signor Mussolini’s visit to the Pope will raise delicate problems, says the correspondent. For instance, the Pontiff's five peace points were announced after his talk with the King had been granted. He discussed them with the Monarch, but most of the Vatican authorities think Signor Mussolini will not agree to the points since the Fascist regime still sustains the principle of liv-ing-space and a full revision of treaties, and is completely opposed to the League of Nations. Nevertheless, it is felt that in time the Italian Government can be won over to the Pope’s views, despite the fact that the Pope is clearly working to detach Italy from Germany, while Signor Mussolini has shown that he intends to support the Axis policy if it is feasible.