LIMITED SANCTIONS ONLY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 286, 16 September 1935, Page 5

LIMITED SANCTIONS ONLY

REPORTED PLEDGE BY M. LAVAL ITALY FEARS CLOSING OF CANAL LONDON, Sept. 14. The diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says he understands that M. Laval transmitted the first draft of his Assembly speech to Signor Mussolini on ‘Thursday, and that the text was afterwards substantially altered and made more emphatic in support of the league. The correspondent of “The -Times in Geneva says the speech does not necessarily mean that M. Laval is yet inclined to pledge himself to the hilt on sections. These will, if they are applied, begin with economic and financial measures. The Geneva correspondent of the “Manchester Guardian” says: “I am able to say that M. Laval has definitely pledged the French Government to participate in economic and financial sanctions if the attempt at conciliation fails. I understand that he has given an undertaking to Signor Mussolini that France will not join in any but these sanctions as long as he is Prime Minister. “Signor Mussolini lias said that he would not regard French participation to this extent as an unfriendly act. He believes such sanctions would not be effective. He and M*/Laval appear to think that when Italy has won a victory and avenged Adowa, negotiations could be resumed, but that does, not appear to be the opinion of the 'British delegation. “Signor Mussolini, on the other hand, fears the closing of the Suez Canal which, cutting off the Italian army in Africa and depriving .it of supplies, would compel a speedy capitulation. Indeed, in the opinion of many well-informed people here, an ultimatum from Geneva threatening to close the Suez Canal in 24 hours would bring Signor Mussolini to his knees.”