Evening star., 1938-11-26
Chamberlain Plan
To Visit Rome in
January Reported
Trip to See MussoIini
indication Ties to
France Weaken
BY PERTINAX.

BY PERTINAX.
PARIS, Nov. 26 N.AN.A)-This
writer has reason to believe that
Prime Minister Chamberlain intends
to go to Rome to visit Mussolini early
next January. A surprising fact is
that yesterday he did not mention it
to the French ministers during his
visit here.
Thus, the British prime minister
will have to exchange speeches with
the head of the Fascist government
and indulge in demonstrations Of
Anglo-Italian friendship while the
Italian press probably continues to
abuse France and Italian policy
hardly conceals that it aims at
wrestling from Britain's ally part of
her territorial possessions overseas
and even perhaps on the continent.
Moreover, it is difficult to imagine
that Mfr. Chamberlain, having ac-
cepted II Duce's invitation, should
be determined to deny for very long
recognition Of Gen. Frances rights
of belligerency.
Solidarity an Illusion.
That decision of Mr.. Chamberlain
to 60 to the Italian capital, coupled
with French Foreign Minister Bon
nets secretive tactics in relation to
German Foreign Minister Won Rib
bentrops Journey to Paris, at a
time when the civilized world deeply
resents Hitlerism and the Reicf's
dreadful reprisals against the Jewish
community, does not augur true soli-
darity of the Western powers, In so
far as diplomatic action is concerned.
But is it not to be feared that dis
union In diplomatic action may in
the long run, unless corrected in
time, as soon as its consequences
threaten to become serious, bring
about relaxation Of the bond that,
since March, 1896, has kept both
Western powers together for the
common defense of their frontiers?
The above indication makes it
clear, at any rate. that the Franco
British conversations of November
"a have not cut very deeply into
European realities and have been
conducted rather in a superficial
manner.
Another point deserves to be en-
phasized, which perhaps throws
additional light upon the French
foreign minister's personal tenden-
cies. 1t is reported that Mr. Cham
berlain asked M Bonnet point
blank what the French government
meant to do if Germany launched
an attack on Soviet Russia in the
Ukraine. and Mr.. Bonnet retorted
that 1t ought never to be forgotten
that, under the Franco-Russian
pact of mutual assistance. France
was committed to go to the rescue
of Soviet Russia only in case of un-
provoked aggression. Rightly or
wrongly. British circles have con-
strued that phrase to mean that,
were the emergency alluded to by
Mr.. Chamberlain to arise, French
diplomacy. as conducted by Bonnet,
would find way of escape.
After what occurred last Septem-
ber, such a shifty attitude must be
condemned as highly dangerous.
Let the French government openly
and regularly denounce every inter-
national commitment it may regard
as inconsistent with national inter-
ests. But it is not possible for it
to indulge once more in the game
which consists of making use of
the letter of a pledge in order to
stultify its spirit without bringing
the country into complete insulation,
without discouraging the allies,
partners or associates which could
be forthcoming otherwise.
Assurances Exchanged.
The most favorable side of the
Anglo-French meeting was certainly
in relation to the joint preparation
for armed resistance to the totali-
tartan states in case the worst comes
to the worst. However, the following
remark must be given attention. It
is confirmed today that Mr.. Cham
berlain told his French interlocutorS
that he would reconsider the present
organization of the British Army
and examine whether 1t ought not
to be expanded, and that Premier
Daladier and M. Bonnet gave assur-
ance that every conceivable step
would be taken to strengthen the
French air forces.
But, while Mr.. Chamberlain can at
will prescribe all the measures requi-
site to enlarge the British land forces
public opinion in England is now
quite prepared to accept them, the
French ministers can hardly be ex-
pected to make good their word as
easily. Not their willingness, but
their power to do what they have
promised to do may be questioned.
Doubt is likely to persist about it as
long as the financial, economic and
social order has not been re-estab-
lished. And until financial, eco
nomic and social recovery has be-
come an accomplished fact nobody
can feel sure that Mr.. Chamberlain
will sweep aside all diplomatic con-
sideration so as to concentrate with
an unshakable resolve upon British
rearmament. Thursday night, at
the British Embassy, in conversation
with the French ministers and po-
litical leaders, he seemed to have
only a single question in mind:
when are you going to get rid Of
your COMMUNISTS"
tcopyrpht. 1888. by the North American
Newspaper Alliance, Inc.)
e:.1o.. nf Door Nnn,{;nn