POSSIBLE NEW TERMS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 291, 21 September 1935, Page 5

POSSIBLE NEW TERMS.

A DIVISION OF ABYSSINIA.

THE DESIRE OF ITALY. LONDON, Sept. 20. The Geneva correspondent of ‘‘The Times” says that the suggestion made by Signor Mussolini on September 19 that Italy should be given control of the iion-Amliaric territories in Abyssinia, leaving all truly Amharic lands under the control of the Emperor, with the assistance of the auininistive system proposed by the League Committee, has aroused interest, as it is regarded as nil indication that Signor Mussolini, is after all, prepared to consider new terms for a settlement. The lion-Ambaric territories remain to be defined, but part of them is included in the territorial concessions which it is believed the Emperor would he ready to make to Italy in qeturn for those which England and I ranee are prepared to make to him. It is pointed out that the proposed concessions include not only a large section of Ogaden and Danakil,' but a considerable fertile area between Jubaland and the Abyssinian plateau. The acquisition of this territory, it is held, would go at least half way to meet the latest Italian suggestion.

AWAITING THE REPLIES.

NO TIME I.IMTT FIXED

LONDON, September 12

Both the Italian and Abyssinian delegates lnjve been asked, to reply to the proposals of the committee of the . League of Nations as early as possible, but no time limit lias been fixed. Whether the Assembly of the League, which in normal circumstances would close its session on September 28, will continue in the hope of a settlement, being : cached remains in

doubt, but it seems certain that the Council will not disperse until the vital decisions are taken.

The report of the Committee of Five has not been disclosed, but in trustworthy quarters at Geneva it is stated to bo a masterpiece of impartiality. While the proposals preserve Abyssinia’s independence, the report is understood to contain a reminder of the obligations which she undertook when she became a member of the League, and which it is now proposed she should bo assisted to fulfil, with the consent of the Emperor.—British Official Wireless.