By May 9
Rome, Apr. 20, Final arrangements for the opening of the Franco-Italian talks on Friday are now being made here.
It is pointed out that the prospect of reaching agreement is much facilitated by the assurances already contained in the Anglo-Italian Agreement, many of which apply also to France: for example, the right of way through the Mediterranean and the reduction of Italian troops in Libya.
It is expected that agreement will have been reached by May 9, when the League of Nations meets to deal with the question of the recognition of the annexation of Abyssinia.
Immediately following this recognition France will, it is understood, appoint an Ambassador to the Italian Empire and further talks on the technical questions still outstanding between the two countries will then be launched.
It is emphasized that none of these points will be discussed until after the appointment of an Ambassador and that all M. Jakes Blondel, the Charge diAffaires, will discuss will be the. guarantees of good intentions on both side:
It is further emphasized here that no serious Franco-Italian nce a comprehensive agreement was reached when M. Pierre Laval visited Rome in January 1935, Japan Gratified Tokyo, Apr. 20.
A spokesman for the Foreign Office today welcomed the idea of a four-Power pact among Britain France, Italy and Germany, as likely to contribute to the cause of peace and stabilization of the European situa-ion. The spokesman withheld further comment—Domei without abandoning other friends, but moreover with their full understanding and sympathy, this agreement represents a very important factor tending towards general, security and pacification.
"It has not been negotiated in u bargaining spirit: there is no question on either side of this or that concession. The will to clarify the situution, and to re-establish mutual confidence in the interests of the twy nations, and in the general interest has presided over all dealings. I consider that this object has; been fully attained by our two governments.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.