ATTITUDE OF AUSTRALIA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 293, 24 September 1935, Page 5

ATTITUDE OF AUSTRALIA.

CO-OPERATION WITH BRITAIN.

LABOUR OPPOSES SANCTIONS

CANBERRA, September 23.

The Prime Minister (Mr J. A. Lyons) in the House of Representatives, and Sir George Pearce, leader of the Government in the Senate, to-day made statements about the dispute between Italy and Abyssinia. They made identical speeches, which dealt with the immediate cause of the present dispute, Italy’s complaints against Abyssinia, and the efforts of the League of Nations Conciliation Commission to bring about a settlement.

The Prime Minister explained in detail in what circumstances sanctions would have to be applied. He reiterated that Mr S. M. Bruce (Hi gli Commissioner) had been instructed on August 30 that the policy of the Commonwealth Government was close co-operation with the United Kingdom Government for continued efforts to settle the dispute by peaceful means, and for the maintenance of the principles of the league.

“The Commonwealth Government is convinced that the upholding of the principles of collective security is essential to world peace,” he said. “Nevertheless, it desires to point out that none of the provisions of the covenant has been violated by either Italy or Abyssinia. “The Government feels that discussion of these matters should not at this juncture assume that either country will violate any league obligations.

“It therefore would be umvise to anticipate any breach or to announce in advance a course of action to be follow-

ed by the Commonwealth Government in contingencies, the nature, and circumstances of which cannot at present be foreseen. The Government feels strongly that it should not, either by word or action, embarrass those who are earnestly striving to bring about a peaceful settlement.”' Both the Federal and New South Wales Labour parties to-day unanimously decided to oppose to the utmost participation by'Australia, in any circumstances, ]n any war arising from the dispute between Italy and Abyssinia.

The leaders of both, Labour wings, when speaking in the debate on the Abyssinian question, initiated by the Prime Minister, made Labour’s position quite clear. • Mr F. M. F'orde, who recently succeeded Mr J. H. Seullin as federal leader, said: “Our attitude is that Australia must keep free from entanglements which might lead to a repetition of the horrors of 1914-18.” Mr J. Beasley (leader of the State party) said Australia must declare and maintain a policy of absolute isolation and strict neutrality.