Paris, May 20.
Delivered as it was in ultra-Fascist surroundings and atmosphere, the address made in Milan yesterday by Count Ciano, did not bring any new element into the international situation and Italy's part in it, according to competent Franch observers who note the date of the speech coincided with that of the signature of the German-Italian "steel pact" last year. Count Ciano used practically the same expressions yesterday as he did a year ago when he announced the signature of the pact. This kind of language, it was stressed, has been used before and Italian quarters often declared that it is only Signor Mussolini's word and decision that count.
In face of the fact that anti-Allied demonstrations in Italy have ceased since May 15 and that no more insulting bills are pasted on the walls of Italian cities, the situation is confused.
German planes are being delivered to Italy, reservists are called to the colours, reinforcements are sent to Libya, but all these measures do not seem to have a general character and the country does not give the impression of preparing intensively for war—Havas.
"If this one of the most awe-striking periods in the long history of France and Britain," he continued, "it is also beyond doubt the most sublime, Side by side, unaided except by their kith and kin in the great Dominions and by the wide Empires which rest beneath their shield, side by side the British and French people have advanced to the rescue not only of Europe but of mankind from the foulest and most soul-destroying tyranny that has ever darkened and stained the pages of history.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.