London, Mar. 16.
A representative of the British Treasury, Mr. Playfair, left for Rome today to resume the interrupted trade talks with the Italian authorities, particularly regarding the clearing problem.
According to well-informed quarters here, Mr. Playfair's departure for Rome is a logical consequence of the settlement of the Anglo-Italian coal dispute. These circles add that Italy's purchases in Great Britain may be facilitated if, within the frame work of a clearing agreement, Italy allows Britain to buy the war material she needs in Italy. The Italian authorities are expected to adopt a more conciliatory attitude om this point.
The resumption of Anglo-Italian trade contacts, it is noted here, coincides singularly with the Soviet-Italian negotiations for the renewal of the trade agreement which was signed in 1939 and good for one year only.—Havas,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.