CATEGORICAL PLEDGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 32, 8 February 1939, Page 7

CATEGORICAL PLEDGE

Great Importance To F rance A REPLY TO ITALIAN INSINUATIONS Received Feb. 7, 6.10 p.m. PARIS, Feb. 6. Official circles attach the greatest importance to Mr. Chamber lain’s statement in the House of Commons. It is felt that it constitutes an unequivocal reply to the Italian insinuations that Britain will not support France, and it is regarded as the most categorical pledge of automatic military assistance any British Government has ever given France. The statement is believed to be tne direct outcome of consultations between the Prime Minister, M. Daladier, the Foreign Minister, M. Bon not, and the British Ambassador, Sii Eric Phipps. There have been frequent exenanges of pledges through diplomatic channels, but it was con sidered wise to make the situation very clear in the interests of peace.

\ WARNING GERMANY AND ITALY DELIBERATE STATEMENT Received Feb. 7, 6.20 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 7. The Daily Telegraph and Morning Post’s diplomatic correspondent sayo that the statement was made deliberately as a warning in the hope that it would be a deterrent to tne rash campaign against France still developing in Italy. It would thus counsel prudence to Italian and German leaders in the next puolic pronouncement on Mediterranean issues. The words "any threat to Frances vital interests’ can only be interpreted to mean a threat against interests which France herself considers vital. Mr. Vernon Bartlett, writing in tiie News-Chronicle, says that one of tne reasons for the statement was the confidence with which Italian newspapers are suggesting that Britain is won to Fascism against France. The declaration is prooably strengthened by Signor V. Gayda’s statement. ITALY SHOCKED TANTAMOUNT TO MILITARY ALLIANCE Received Feb. 7. 9.5 p.m. ROME, reb. 7. Mr. Chamberlains statement shocked political circles, it is suggested that it is tantamount to an announcement of a military alliance as binding as Italy's and Germany’s. Olficial circles do not comment except to say, “Italy’s natural aspirations tnreaten the vital interests of no country.” Nevertheless, in a message dated from London but apparently semi-officially inspired, the Giornale D’ltalia says that Britain knows that Italy means to pursue her aspirations until they are justly realised.

GERMAN COMMENT

REFERENCE TO ('ZEC H CRISIS Received Feb. 7, 8.20 p.m. BERLIN, Feb. 6. BERLIN, Feb. 6. A Foreign Office spokesman said it was not feit that a new situation had been created. It was pointed out that Mr. Chamberlain issued a statement similarly before the Czech crisis. Hr added that it was regrettable if the words were interpreted as an encouragement to France in her attitude o£ intransigeance.