COUNTERPROPOSALS SUBMITTED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 292, 23 September 1935, Page 5

COUNTERPROPOSALS SUBMITTED

CESSION OF TERRITORY WANTED PARTIAL DEMOBILISATION. REMAINDER UNDER ITALIANS. PROSPECTS NOT HOPEFUL. (United Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.40 p.m.) ' GENEVA, September 22. A further development to-day, the peaceful prospects of which are, however, doubtful, was Baron Aloisi calling on Senor Madariaga (president of the League Council), when he made a communication from his Governmeiit, believed to contain counter-proposals, which are described at Signor Mussolini’s real demands, hitherto undisclosed. , Baaon Aloisi also called on Mr Eden and other representatives of the Conciliation Committee. It is understood that the proposals demand—

Firstly, the linking of Eritrea and Italian Somaliland! by the cession to Italy of a large section of Abyssinian territory.

Secondly, an Abyssinian outlet to the sea shall be a corridor through Italian territory. Thirdly, demobilisation of the majority of the Abyssinian army and the remainder placed under Italian officers. Signor Mussolini also repeated his assertion that Italy has thus far received only “deserts.” Leading statesmen at Geneva privately declare that the demands are utterly unsatisfactory and will be rejected by the League. Moreover, it is pointed out that such a strong block of Italian ierritoiy surrounding Abyssinia on the east might be regarded with disfavour by Britain, while a corridor through. Italian territory would place the Abyssinian harbour, completely at Italy’s mercy. It is also believed that Italian military control of the army, with disarmament of the remainder, is equally objectionable. ... The Conciliation Committee will probably meet to-day. M. Laval is expected to attend 1 .