Rome, May 5, Commenting on the visit which Prince Umberto of Piedmont, heir to the Italian throne, is paying to Pope Pius XH today, observers here believe that the resulting conversations will have an important effect on the future of Italian policy, Signor Mussolini, although reiterate ing his declarations on the strength of the ties binding Rome and Berlin, is also anxious to maintain good relations with the United States and the Vatican, but he is being prompted by Germany to take a more definite stand.
In the beginning of the present war, Signor Mussolini seemingly did not'belleve that it would last long, He had pictured himself as the umpire between the weakened belligerents, In this policy of moderation, now blasted, Signor Mussolini could have relied, on the Pope's support, Present indications, however, show that Italy is steadily being weaned into the German camp, and it is believed that the Holy Father will point out to the Italian Crown Prince that Germany, allied with Russia, constantly took a violent stand against Roman Catholicism, which is the main strength of the Italian people, The Pope, it is predicted, will also stress that the entire Catholic world, coupled with the United States, is in favour of a resumption of the policy Signor Mussolini adopted at the beginning of the conflict, namely. to seize upon any opportunity to take an initiative for peace.—Havas,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.