1939-10-21 — Page 9

THE CHINA MAIL OCTOBER 11-

ITALY ANXIOUS OVER FATE OF BALKANS

Rome, Oct. 14.

IT WOULD BE WELL for Berlin to take into considera- tion Italy's new position in the Balkans, where she is as- suming the role of defender of the neutrals, informed poli- tical quarters declared to-day.

As protector of the Danubian States, Italy one day might even be compelled to cross over to the camp of the Allies, they indicated.

In the face of rapid extension of Soviet influence in the northern and south-eastern regions of Europe, Italy found it necessary to initiate consul- tations with Germany to discuss the situation arising out of the spread of Bolshevik power, it was stated..

Rome, observers pointed out, was displeased with the turn of events since the sensational signature of the Soviet-German pact of non-aggression on August 23, a week prior to the outbreak of war.

ITALIANS RESENT TURNCOAT NAZIS

The Italian people, fed on 'Italo- German propaganda.. against the U.S.S.R. since the birth. of the Anti- Comintern Pact, were hurt by the complete turnabout of the Nazi leaders

EX-FOLLIES GIRL ON

DRUG CHARGE

Four negro servants who had been cook, chauffeur and majds to Helen Lce Worthing in the days when she was famous on Broadway, came to her aid to save her from going to prison.

Miss Worthing, a former Follies girl, who married a negró doctor, pleaded guilty to forging a drug prescription.

Nancy Kelly, as the girl who loved an outlaw, and Tyrone Power as the most polourful bandit who ever Ilved, in a tender scene from Dařry! F. Zanuck's production, “Jesse' · James," at the King's Theatre. The production is in technicolour.

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Probation officers at the Hollywood a month each for her support, and to rehabilitate herself.. and, furthermore, by the swift Soviet-courts revealed that the four former pay her way through a beauty cul- The court is considering the pro- tization of the Polish territories which servants had offered to contribute £3ture course. They believed she could posal. fell to the Red Army.

While still ready to give the Relch moral support in relations with the Allies, Italy, the same observers added, was most con- cerned by the Soviet drive toward the Danubian Basin and into the Balkans.

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In the present discussions Germany, Italian negotiators were ex-. pected to draw Nazidom's attention to the delicate position of the Italian Government in south-eastern Europe. Well-informed circles stated that Italy would, if she were not already doing, so, request Germany to persuade the U.S.S.R. to be satisfied with her pre-, -sent gains in the Baltic countries and Poland, and refrain from renewed activity in the Balkans.

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Italy, the political-quarters cluded, clearly showed her intention of maintaining her position in south- eastern Europe by viewing with favour the formation “of a neutral bloc of Balkan Powers.

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RED IMPERIALISM Uncertainty prevails in Italian poli- tical quarters to-day as international developments cause a conflict opinions in view of Soviet Russia's drive in the Baltic and Balkan regions. German-Soviet partnership to the north causes the greatest concern here, where observers declare themselves convinced that Russia's aims in the 'Baltic States are essentially grounded in her imperialistic objectives further south, round the Dardanelles.

Moscow, political commentators stated tonight, was interested first in securing strategic bases against Ger- many in north-western Europe, to obtain a freer' hand in the south-east.

Italy, they said, was coming to realize that she was now losing to the Reich and the U.S.S.R.. strong- holds that she herself could have gain- ed in the economically rich Danubian basin and the Balkans. Moreover, Fascist quarters were highly impress- ed by the strong unfavourable`reac- tion caused in Spain by Adolf Hitler's revolutionary new attitude toward Red Russia.

FRANCO SURPRISED Generalissimo Francisco Franco, it was even said, voiced "surprise" · In a message to the Italian Gov- ernment. over some. articles in ́Italian newspapera favouring bet- terrelations with Communist Moscow.

High Italian political quarters here to-day showed 'n great deal of differ- ence in opinion as regards latest Euro- pean events. Some voiced disapproval of recent newspaper, attacks against Soviet leaders. These circles, "obser- vers commented, obviously wished to avold showing any united hostile front against the U.S.S.R. at this of all times, when a new Soviet Ambassador is about to leave Moscow for Rome. M Goerlin, the envoy awaited here, it was pointed out, would bring credentials implying Soviet tion of the Italian Empire, I Ethiopia, and AlbaMIRAL!

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