ITALY’S DUTY

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20990, 18 December 1939, Page 7

ITALY’S DUTY

ASSURANCE OF SECURITY SOLIDARITY OF AXIS CRITICISM OF ALLIES (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrlg-ht) ROME, Dec. 16 The galleries in the Fascist Chamber were packed when the Foreign Minister, Count Ciano, delivered a speech on international affairs. Signor Mussolini was present. Count Ciano said it was Italy's duty to assure her own security and independence. Italy’s realistic attitude had prevented a widening of the European conflict. The Minister defended the Abysinian campaign and Italy’s action in the Spanish War. Referring to the anti-Communist pact, Count Ciano claimed that Signor Mussilini was the first to f.gnt Bolshevism. In reaffirming the solidarity of the Berlin-Rome axis he said it was the encirclement of Germany, not the Polish Corridor or Danzig, which had led to the war. Conflicted With Interests Moreover, the British and French Governments had designs on the Mediterranean which conflicted with Italian interests. The Minister paid a tribute to the bravery of the Poles and said the British and French guarantee was responsible for their altitude to Germany. Count Ciano said that on August 21, he received a message from von Ribbentrop saying he was going to Moscow to sign a pact with Russia. The situation toward the end oi August became graver. Italy did not omit to take precautions for her national -safety and on August 31 she decided upon a pacific attitude. Her intention not to fight was known to the German Government and no other, and was the reason for the telegram from the Reich stating that Germany had not thought it necessary to ask Italy for assistance. World Peace Wanted Italy continued to follow the dedevelopment of events and was ever ready, if possible, to give again a contribution toward world peace. She was equally determined to protect her interests on land and at sea, and her future as a great Power. Count Ciano reaffirmed Italy’s desire to see peace and friendship in the but not through a bloc. Ambassador Snubbed The newly-appointed Russian Ambassador to Italy, M. Gorelkin, has returned to Moscow because Italy rejected the conditions he sought to impose for the presentation of his credentials, says the Rome correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain. M. Gorelkin considered that he was snubbed, and probably he will not return to Rome. ITALY AND GERMANY SHORT REPORTS OF SPEECH ALLIES' ABSURD HOPE (Official Wireless) (Received Dec. 18, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, Dec. 17 Only short reports of Count Ciano’s speech in Rome have been published in Berlin, and they are confined to passages favouring the German policy. Press commentaries emphasise ths absurdity of the Allies’ hope that Italy will allow heiself to be detached from Germany.

A RUNNING FIGHT

AIRMEN AT HELIGOLAND ENEMY PLANES CRASH BRITISH MACHINES LOST (United Press Assn.—riec. Tel. Copyng-n;/ LONDON, Dec. 16 It transpires that Heligoland battle on Thursday was the biggest of the war to date. The leader of the British formation described it as “a running fight along the Germany islands.” The officer continued: “We saw four enemy aeroplanes crash hi flames on tiie sea, where they burned like enormous beacons.” At least five Messerschmitts were shot down. It is definitely established that only three British machines were lost, in spite of Germany’s more excessive claims. One of the five German aircraft shot down in the Heligoland battle w-as seen to dive vertically into the water after being engaged by the guns of several British aircraft. Another suddenly appeared about 50ft. above and slightly behind the leading British bomber. A Mass of Flames As it dashed past the tail of the bomber at a terrific speed the British gunner trained his gun on it and the crew saw it fall away in a mass of flames. It looked like a big torch as it fell toward the sea somewhere near the lour other victims. The crews of the British aircraft, who all belonged to the Bomber Command, were strongly representative cf the Dominions. Included among them were three Canadians, and South Africa had two representatives.

Eighty more Germans have been interned in South Africa, including Dr. Anton Obhlzer, a professor of the University at Stellenbosch,