BRITISH AMBASSADOR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 May 1940, Page 5

BRITISH AMBASSADOR

RETURNING TO ROME PROCEEDINGS OF RECENT CONFERENCE. FULL FACTS AT ITALY’S DISPOSAL. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 5. The British Ambassador in Rome, who has been home on leave for some time, is returning to his post." Sir Percy Loraine was present at the discussions which the Foreign Secretary had a few weeks ago with the British diplomatic representatives in south-eastern Europe, who had been specially summoned to London for the pur-, pose.

He will therefore be able to give the Italian Government, should it require it, a fuller and more intimate account of the proceedings, the purport of which must already be known to it through Sir Noel Charles, British Counsellor in Rome, and the essence of which lies in the settled policy which Britain defined in the official statement issued after consultations at the Foreign Office as the “preservation of peace and the promotion of security in the Balkan and Danubian countries.” As Professor E. H. Carr points out in the “Sunday Times” today, that is in the Italian interest no less than the British.

Since the return to the capitals in south-eastern Europe of the British diplomats who took part in the discussions with Lord Halifax events in other directions have increased rather than diminished the anxieties which beset these States. It has been demonstrated again that neither strict neutrality nor non-provocation verging on compliance, nor guarantees, nor promises, nor pledges will save any country from German attack if the tortuous developments of Nazi policy require its subjugation. There has been plenty of evidence in the last fortnight than in the face of this renewed warning nations situated wherever Germany can disturb the peace are increasing their vigilance and precautions. British policy, which stands in opposition to any extension of hostilities at their expense, must be to them one of the few reassuring factors in an anxious situation. FASCISTS WARNED “MUST PREPARE FOR ANY EMERGENCY.” ’ (Received This Day, 10.15 a.m.) ROME, May 6. Signor Muti, Secretary of the Fascist Party paid a surprise visit to Bari, an important military zone, and warned local members of the party that they must prepare for any emergency. DESIRE FOR PEACE MANIFEST AMONG PEOPLE OF ITALY. SUPPORT FOR THE VATICAN AND MONARCHY. In Italy the desire of the general public and the Vatican that Italy should remain non-belligerent has again been made manifest, a Daventry broadcast states. Although the Italian Press and leaders continue their pro-German utterances, a strong body of the people is opposed to Italy entering the war, and its members have the powerful support of the Vatican and the monarchy. Signor Mussolini is apparently well aware of the factors against any war move.