The deadlock which has been reached in the conversations Rome between Mr. Chamberlain and Signor Mussolini constitutes a serious reverse so far as the former is concerned, and while it may not worsen existing conditions may dangerously delay their improvement. Until Mr. Chamberlain makes an official statement of what occurred, there must be very considerable speculation as to what actually transpired. It is quite certain however that one, and, perhaps, the main obstacle was Franco-Italian relations. Mr. Chamberlain' loyalty to his commitments to France preclude ing him from discussing this matter with LI Duce, thus emphasizing the solidarity existing between the two Powers. It is reported that the two statesmen ent d into no undertakings, and while the talks tween the two appear to have been frank and cordial, the fact that nothing substantial emerges from them will naturally e unhappy repercussions in Europe, On the face of it it would seem that nco-Italian problems are f solution, but conditions being desirable that the two nations should negotiate direc cannot taki place a better atmosphere has been secured, and Italian Press campaigns against France stopped. In the circumstances, therefore, it was impossible that the Four Power Conference which Signor Mussolini so earnestly desired could have been agreed upon, for unless such a meeting were held in conditions most conducive of success, far from assisting in a general settlement in Europe it might ye led to further deterioration. ing feature seems to be that no ye been wrested from Mr, Cham-and that there is something in th report that the phrase "nothing for nothin; Indicates the Anglo-French stand. If it is made clear that no further efforts at appeasement can be made until both Italy and Germany give evidence of a willing, to contribute their fair share towards it, some progress will have teen made. Neither Britain nor France can ford to buy off trouble, no matter what the dictators may think, and the general firming up to which e deadlock at Rome bears ample testimony, ma y in the long run prove a greater actor for peace than a more conciliatory attitude.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.