The Nyon Plan and Italy The decision of Italy, after
a series of diplomatic conver- sations designed to enable the step to be taken without formal solicitation on either side, to associate herself with the Mediterranean patrol scheme is satisfactory. The accusations made against her by the Soviet Government were the reason given for her refusal to attend the Nyon Conference, and the Conference no doubt reached its conclusions more expedi- tiously for her absence. But her co-operation was always desired, and the door was deliberately left open for her if she decided to join in the work of the patrol. It is obviously far better on all grounds that she should, and the technical details, which are to be discussed at a conference of experts next week, should not be difficult to arrange. Meanwhile the patrol is already in being, and a squadron of flying-boats from Felixstowe has reached Malta to co-operate with the torpedo-boat flotillas. It is a noteworthy fact that not a single sinking, or even an attack, has been reported since the Nyon decision was announced at the beginning of last week. There has been no question of deferring to Italy in this matter. On the contrary, the determination of Britain and France and the other Mediterranean Powers to police the highway with or without Italy was obviously the factor which decided Italy to co-operate. The alternative to some form of co-operation between the European Great Powers is some form of dangerous antagonism between rival blocs of them.
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