Compromise Likely
FrOnt Our
Correspond(,!!
The Italian claims to French territory have settled down to firm demands in connection with Tunis, Djibuti (the port of Abyssinia) and French Somaliland.
While France, incensed by the clumsy way in which the original claims were put forward, declares its determination to grant nothing, the Italians expect much from the coming conversations with Mr Chamberlain. The Italian claims are strongly supported by the Italian Catholic papers.
While it is unlikely that the dispute will lead to the use of force, it may be expected that in due time the claims will be carefully examined and some compromise reached.
There is every reason in particular why adjustments to Italy's new colonial position should be made in Djibuti and Somaliland, but a condition of settlement is certainly reasonableness and normal diplomatic procedure on the part of Italy. The denouncing of the never ratified 1935 Agreement is probably meant as a way of clearing the decks for a new Agreement more in keeping with Italy's changed position.