Vatican City, Mar. 11.
Assurances about the Reich's religious policy in occupied Poland were given the Pope this morning by Herr Joachim von Ribbentrop, the German Foreign Minister, during their long meeting here, Vatican quarters declared.
Herr von Ribbentrop also explained Herr Adolf Hitler's views on problems of peace and war in Europe.
Vatican observers noted particularly that both the meetings with the Pope and the Papal State Secretary, Cardinal Maglione, exceeded the usual period of 30 minutes. Herr von Ribbentrop conferred with the Pope for more than one hour, and for about 45 minutes with Cardinal Mag-hone.
It was reported that Herr von Rib. bentrop was taken ill in the Vatican today immediately after his audience with the Pope and that he had to rest in the Papal Secretary's ante-chamber.—Havas.
Canberra, Mar. 12.
The Country Party has decided to accept proposals for the formation of a Coalition Government.
On March 7, Mr. R. G. Menzies, the Prime Minister, reached an agreement with Mr. A. Cameron, leader of the Country Party, by which Mr. Cameron becomes Deputy Prime Minister.
Other members of the Country Party are accepting three portfolios and two honorary ministries.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.