A EUROPEAN CRISIS

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20502, 19 May 1938, Page 9

A EUROPEAN CRISIS

SIGNOR MUSSOLINI ANGRY TENSION OVER FRENCH DECISION THREAT TO THE ANGLO-ITALIAN AGREEMENT (United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received May 19, 11.25 a.m.) LONDON, May 18 The Australian Associated Press learns that communications which have reached Downing Street during the last few hours indicate that Europe faces another crisis—again over Spain. The central figure is Signor Mussolini, who is angry because General Franco has not yet won, and now is further hampered by the refusal of France to close the Pyrennean frontier. It is understood that the British Cabinet discussed the situation to-day.

It appears that II Duce, in accordance with the thesis that Dictators are always right, is most uncompromising towards the French, the sequel to which, it is feared, may be the dispatch of Italian reinforcements to Spain, which will threaten the Anglo-Italian agreement.

ATTITUDE OF BRITAIN

SUPPORT FOR FRANCE QUESTIONS IN THE COMMONS EXPEDITING A SETTLEMENT (Omcial Wireless) Received May 19, 1 p.m.) RUGBY', May 18 Several Questions on the Spanish siluation and the French-Ilalian conversations were answered in the House ot Commons by Mr R. s. Butler, Under-Secretary l'or Foreign Affairs. Mr Arthur Henderson asked for an assurance that the British Government would support the French Government in resisting Italian pressure to change the French policy towards the Spanish Government. Mr Butler, in reply, stated that the good offices of the British Government were always at the disposal of the French and Italian Governments should they desire them, with a view to expediting a settlement of the Spanish situation. Mr Henderson: “In view of the fact that the policies of the French Government and the British Government in relation to Spain are the same, does the British Government intend to allow Ihe Italian Government to drive a wedge between them on tltis question?” Mr Butler: “I do not necessarily accept the interpretation Mr Henderson puts on Signor Mussolini’s speech, and I cannot therefore give the assurances lie desires."

Settlement of Situation Replying to another question by Mr P. J. Noel-Baker, who wished to know whether lie could define the circumstances in which His Majesty’s Government would consider a settlement of the Spanish question had been arrived at, Mr Butler said he could not go further than the statement made by the Prime Minister on May 2.” Mr Noel-Baker: “Does the Government accept or repudiate the definition which Signor Mussolini has now given, that there must be a victory for General Franco before a settlement can be arrived at?” Mr Butter: “The Government policy is given by the Prime Minister and not anyone else.” TRAINING OF MALES MILITARY TO CONTROL SPORT DRAFTING INTO THE FORCES United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright (Received May 19. 1 p.m.) ROME, May 18 On II Duce's command it has been decided to complete the application of a decree issued on December 31, 1931 providing for Die military training of males between the ages of 18 and 55. Henceforth all youths, including sporting organisations, will be controlled by military organisations for drafting Into land, sen and air formations, with a view to the earliest possible military training.