ABYSSINIAN CRISIS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 239, 23 July 1935, Page 5

ABYSSINIAN CRISIS

BRITAIN AND THE COVENANT. ' FULL SUPPORT ANNOUNCED. COMMUNICATION TO FRANCE. (United Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.4 a.m.) LONDON, July 22. Tho Paris correspondent of “The Times” says that the British Ambassador (Sir George Clerk) acquainted the Premier (M. Laval) with the British Cabinet’s decisions regarding Abyssinia. „ It is understood that Britain fully supports the League Covenant, which necessitates early serious decisions by France. Viscount Cecil of Clietwood published a statement that Britain is impressed with the urgency of preventing any further weakening of the League system. (Signor Mussolini’s -exaltation of war attacks the very foundations of Western civilisation. British opinion is impartial, but it recognises the dangers of war between the white and black races. The Secretary-General of the League (M. Avenol) will see M. Laval tomorrow.—“ Times.” NEUTRALITY OF JAPANESE. A STATEMENT ENDORSED. (Received This Day, 11.25 a.m.) ROME, July 22. The newspaper “Tribuna” quotes the Japanese Ambassador (Mr Sugimura) as saying that Japan will ap<point a Minister to Abyssinia in December. Mr Sugimura. asserts, on his honour as an Ambassador, that the Japanese Government approves of his statement that Japan will observe neutrality in the event of an Italo-Ethiopian war.

VIOLENT ATTACKS IN PRESS. “DUPLICITY OF JAPAN.” (Received This Day, 11.25 a.m.) LONDON, July 22. The Rome correspondent of “The Times” say & that the Press protests against Japan’s brazenness, Imperialism and duplicity, and violently attacks her for organising the coloured races against the white, and provoking revolts in European colonies. The “Messagero” asserts that Japan is seeking to dominate the black and yellow races for her own ends.

ABYSSINIA SEEKS LOAN.

POISON GAS TOO BARBAROUS TO USE. LONDON, July 21. “I have come to raise an Abyssinian loan of £2,000,000,” declared Dr. Azaj Martin, the new Abyssinian Minister in London, interviewed by the “Daily Express.” “Wei badly need the money, not only in the event of war, but also. to develop our vast economic and mineral resources. AVe are willing to lease mining and oil concessions on an equitable basis.” Dr. Martini said ho also hoped to persuade Britain to support Abyssinia’s case and influence the League to enforce sanctions, including the closing of the Suez Canal. Asked if Abyssinia was prepared for war, he replied, “AVe are ready to-day if need be. The whole people would willingly die for the Emperor. Even the feudal armies are equipped with reliable firearms. Tire Emperor’s troops are picked men and are crack shots, equipped with the latest pattern service idles. The only real danger is in the air, but even that is exaggerated, as there is nothing to bomb.” Ho denied that Abyssinia intended to use poison gas. He said it might be sanctioned in Europe, but Abyssinia considered it the lowest form of barbarism.