BRIEF MEETING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 October 1940, Page 6

BRIEF MEETING

AT THE BRENNER PASS DICTATORS DISCUSS OUTLOOK. HOPE OF SHORT WAR GONE. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, October 4. The Hitler-Mussolini talks at the Brenner Pass ended after two hours and 40 minutes. A communique stated: “Within the framework of a routine exchange of views, the Duce and Fuehrer met for a cordial meeting, conducted in the spirit of the Axis. The leaders, in the presence of Count Ciano and Herr von Ribbentop, studied all problems of interest to the two countries. General Keitel was present during the last part of the conversations. The talks were continued during luncheon, at which the Foreign Ministers were also present.” A message from Rome says the trains in which Mussolini and Hitler conferred were heavily armoured. Fighter planes patrolled overhead. The “Popolo di Romo” says Mussolini and Hitler probably discussed a joint plan for a long war and adds: “No compromise is possible, as victory is the only aim of the Axis. Britain is worried because time is working against Britain, and not for Britain. Consequently Italy and Germany don’t fear a long war.” An Associated Press of Great Britain version says the “Popolo di Roma” talked of the failure of German plans to invade Britain, in consequence of which Italy and Germany had lost the possibility of a short war. Berlin authorities are most reticent regarding the meeting and expressed indignation that the meeting was revealed prematurely. They said the Fuehrer’s movements were a military secret and threatened to invoke the espionage laws “which apply to foreign journalists similarly to others.” GRAZIANI IN ROME (Received This Day, 11.25 a.m.) ROME, October 4. Foreign circles have been informed that Marshal Graziani has returned here to consult with Signor Mussolini regarding Axis plans. TALK OF PEACE MOVE ACCORDING TO SWEDISH PAPER. (Received This Day, 11.25 a.m.) STOCKHOLM, October 4. The “Svenska Dagbladet’s” Berlin correspondent says the Brenner Pass meeting is reported to have been called to discuss the advisability of supporting a peace move, with the Pope as intermediary. TALL TALK IN ROME NO FIXED DATE OF VICTORY. (Received This Day, 1.10 p.m.) LONDON, October 4. A Rome radio message states that Hitler and Mussolini discussed the military and political programme of the war,” which has reached a decisive stage of which the world will soon see the outcome, but definitely there was no plotting against any nation not involved in the war. The meeting was an historic moment of vast importance. The leaders have not fixed the date of victory. The two nations will achieve this whenever and wherever the decision comes.”