THE PROPOSALS IN PARIS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 278, 6 September 1935, Page 5

THE PROPOSALS IN PARIS.

EXPLANATION BY MR EDEN.

FRENCH FAITH IN THE LEAGUE,

LONDON, September 4. At the 88tlr session of the League of Nations Council at Geneva this afternoon, Mr R, A. Eden (British Minister for League Affairs) gave his colleagues an account of the three-power conference at Paris. He explained that the proposals in Pans included the acceptance of collective assistance in the economic administrative reorganisation of Abyssinia. Provision was made that the free activities of foreigners should be respected. While the suggestions maintained full independence and integrity for Ethiopia, it was understood that the possibility of territorial adjustment by agreement should: not ho excluded. Those proposals were rejected by the Italian Government.

Mr Eden continued : “I wish now to bring the council an assurance that the British Government will do everything in its power to assure a peavetul settlement of the dispute. “In these post-war years the nations have- striven laboriously, sincerely, and with a measure of success, to create a new international era which shall spare mankind the scourge of war, because they have learnt at long last the bitter lesson that war is the constant enemy of progress. That is why they pledged themselves in a peace pact to denounce war as an instrument of national policy. “It was for these same reasons that members of the league previously expressed this determination, and gave form to their convictions in the articles of the Covenant. The machinery of the new order is 'here in Geneva. If its spirit is here also, we ofc.nnot fail. Jfr Eden emphasised’ that there was no question in this dispute of any political or economic conflict between the United Kingdom and Italy. Britain was concerned in the dispute as a member of the League. Mr Eden concluded: <r \Vorld opinion is watching xis. In the judgment of the world the League faces a vital test. Let us set the machinery of the league to work, and if we obtain the loyal cooperation of the two parties to the dispute wo shall* not fail to achieve a

peaceful settlement, tvhjeli all so earnestly desire.”

M. Laval (French Prime Minister), said lie was sure every member of the League would fulfil its duty, and neglect nothing to achieve a peaceful solution, for all of them had the firm will to servo peace. ;M. Laval said that France was profoundly attached to the work of conciliation and refused to believe that a supreme effort ivould jrnive vain. “The covenant binds us all. France rejoices at the proclamation of Britain’s fidelity to collective security. No government lias done more than mine to defend that principle, on which all France’s international undertakings are based. It retain faith in the League,” he declared.

NO CONCESSION OR COMPROMISE ADHERENCE TO INSTRUCTIONS. ABYSSINIAN DELEGATES’ ORDERS (Received This Day, 12.15 p.m.) LONDON, September 5. The Addis Ababa correspondent of “The Times” says that the Government has instructed its delegates to the League to neither concede or compromise, hut firmly to adhere to their instructions. DUCE PROTESTS TO EMPEROR.

OBJECTIONS TO MINISTER’S

SPEECH

ROME, September 5

Signor Mussolini hs instructed the Italian Minister at Addis Ababa to protest strongly against the speech made by Dr. B. Martin (Abyssinian Minister to London), in which he said that if the worst came to the worst Abyssinia ivould prefer to he under Britain’s just and considerate rule than Italy’s. THE DEFENCE OF MALTA. (Received This Day, 12.15 p.m.) VALETTA, September 5. Volunteers are besieging the recruiting offices in order to defend Malta in case of necessity. THE ITALIAN PRESS FIRM. LONDON, Sept. 5. The Rome correspondent of “The Times” says the press insists that Italy’s appearance at the League does not imply that she accepts the position of defendant. Italy docs not recognise the right of the League to judge vital interests.

DEATHS OF ITALIANS jfcl

AFRICA. '

ROME. Sept. 5

It is officially stated that 14 officers and 79 other ranks died in East Africa between June 26 and August 8, maiding 130 deaths since January 1. PROCEDURE TO BE DISCUSSED. LONDON, Sept. 5. The British United Press correspondent at Geneva says the council will not meet to-day. Instead, Mr Eden, M. Laval, and Baron Aloisi will confer to decide whether the dispute will be discussed under article XI. ot the League Covenant, which was invoked by Abyssinia in January, or article XV., invoked in April.

There is a tendency to suppose that Britain leans toward the latter, which envisages leading up to sanctions under article XVI. if these are not accepted.

CANCELLING OF CONCESSIONS.

ABYSSINIA ANGRY AND ALARMED.

ADDIS ABABA, 4

Alarm and anger were expressed in official circles at the cancellation by the Standard and Vacuum Oil Companies of the Riekett contract. The action in apparently forcing the companies to retract the deals is regarded as an invasion of Abyssinian sovereignty. Abyssinia hopes Mr Riekett will he able to find other capital.

SLAVES FOR THE EMPEROR. AN ITALIAN ALLEGATION. GENEVA, September 5. The Italian indictment alleges that the Emperor himself receives an annual tribute of 200 slaves from provincial governors in lieu of payment in gold, “STILL A RAY OF HOPE.” GENEVA, 5. M. Laval, speaking to reporters, said there was still a ray of hope. The door was not yet closed against a final agreement. They would strive in the. next few days to reach agreement between the panties. AUSTRALIA UNLIKELY TO DROP LEAGUE. CANBERRA, September 5. The Prime Minister (Mr J. A. Lyons) said Mr J. T. Lang’s attitude would mean dropping the League of Nations.

Australia was unlikely to do that. The situation was too delicate for him to say more at present.

MR LANG SUPPORTED.

QUEENSLAND PREMIER'S VIEW

BRISBANE, September o. The Labour Premier of Queensland (Mr W. Eorgare (Smith), commenting on Mr J. T. Lang’s anti-war speech, .said unhesitatingly that the question of who should control Abyssinia was not worth a single Australian lile.