“BACK TO ITALY” MOVEMENT

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20742, 28 February 1939, Page 6

“BACK TO ITALY” MOVEMENT

If Italy intends to demand Corsica from France, the demand is apparently to be used only as a weapon, without the support of any hope that the territory will be ceded. If that is not so, why is Italy sponsoring a “back to Italy” movement among Italian residents in Corsica ? Surely if there were any hope of gaining control of the island, or any likelihood of the issue becoming the subject of armed conflict, more and not fewer Italians would be wanted in Corsica. Attractive terms are being offered to nationals to return to Italy, but apparently only a few hundreds have been tempted to move. Even in Marsailles the movement has met greater success, and 3000 are reported to be returning from the French city to Italian soil. Althought months have passed since the Press campaign and the notorious scene in the Chamber of Deputies at Rome advised the world that Italy sought possession of Corsica, Tunis and Nice, the claim has never been formulated definitely by Signor Mussolini. It seems probable that the campaign and the scene in the Chamber were kiteflying to test the wind in Europe. The fact that no further action has been taken may indicate that Signor Mussolini was not satisfied with the test. It was met by an uncompromising attitude by France, which had the full backing of Britain. It is, of course, possible that Signor Mussolini has transferred his attention to the more serious prospect of gaming control of the Mediterranean through concessions from Spain. It is also suggested that he is delaying action pending several developments, including the selection of the new Pope. France is fully aware of the possibilities, and one result is the hurrying of her recognition of General Franco’s Government. There was significance in M. Daladier’s statement when he demanded and was granted the confidence of the French Chamber: “I am determined that France shall not be isolated in Spanish affairs any more than elsewhere throughout the world. This policy I will defend regardless of politics. I consider only France’s security.” Britain also recognises the need for diplomatic relations with Franco’s Government to guard against similar “isolation.”