Rome, Aug. 31.
Fascists close to the Government asserted today that Italy would not fight the western European nations solely to aid the Sudeten Germans in Czechoslovakia.
They said that Italy's ultimate stand if war breaks out—in spite of the Rome-Berlin axis—would be dictated by the extent of hostilities, the duration of the clash and the powers involved.
Italy's present position, it. was explained, is that of a neutral observer who is friendly to Germany. Informed Fascist quarters indicated that in the event Great Britain remains neutral, Italy would be willing to stand even if France became "involved.
Despite the serious tone of reports and offfpial statements on the Czech crisis, Italians seemed to believe that neither the Czechs nor Herr Adolf Hitler desired war. They cited Herr Hitler's previous statement that he disliked an ideological war—United of the Czech problem, in order to avoid any aggravation of the dispute.
Lord Runciman, to whom tributes have been paid by newspaper correspondents in Prague, is known to be using his influence, not without effect, on both the Czech Government and the Sudeten German party, with a view to promoting an agreement, official circles. add, A
The British Government, it is learn? ed, is hoping for early evidence of a revival of the state of active negotiations,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.