A RAY OF HOPE.

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

A RAY OF HOPE.

SOME CONCESSIONS INDICATED. LEAGUE CIRCLES APPALLED. GENEVA, Sept. 21. League circles were appalled at Italy’s decision. While they had not been optimistic, they had expected Signor Mussolini at least to suggest a basis for discussion. However, there was a spasm of hopefulness after Baron Aloisi. visited Signor Madariaga. The British United Press learns that Baron Aloisi made an effort to dispel the first, devastating impression that Signor Mussolini had blankly refused, by drawing attention to the phrase in his statement that “the proposals did not offer a minimum basis of settlement.” . This, the Italian

spokesman later declared, left the door ajar. The special correspondent of the Associated Press in Geneva say's the communique is less combative in its language than that of last Saturday, and recognises, for the first time, the existence of the Conciliation Committee—oven expressing, appreciation of its efforts. Also, it does not contain any amplification of the veiled threat to leave the League, and does not refer to military preparations. When the Conciliation Committee was hastily summoned this evening, it was forced to adjourn till Monday, as- Baron Aloisi had no further instructions, but merely handed over the Cabinet communique. This, it is considered, made evident the desirability of suspending judgment pending the arrival of further material. It is hoped that Signor explanatory memorandum will allow further discussion.