AUSTRALIA AND SANCTIONS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 294, 25 September 1935, Page 5

AUSTRALIA AND SANCTIONS.

PREMIER’S SPEECH DISCUSSED.

LABOUR TO FORCE A VOTE. SYDNEY, Sept. 24. The Canberra representative of the “Sun” says there were keen discussions to-day in the lobbies on the exact implication to be drawn from the statement made by Mr J. A. Lyons yesterday on the dispute between Italy and Abyssinia. Iho question most frequently asked now is whether Mr Lyons’s instructions to Mr S. M. Bruce (the Australian delegate at Geneva) commit Australia to active co-operation with Britain in upholdinig League principles in the event of Italy being adjudged- an aggressor, The general opinion among members of Parliament is that it does. - '

The next question, the extent oi

the measures the .Government ought to take in order to give co-opera-tion, is causing much controversy. The “Sun” correspondent says it is quite evident that when Mr Lyons permits a debate on the subject the Labour opposition will forcb the issue to the vote. • The Government has no intention of complying with the Labour demand for the recall of the cruiser Australia from the Mediterranean.

IN BRITAIN’S FOOTSTEPS,

LONDON, Sept. 23

The special Geneva correspondent of the Associated Press says British circles in Geneva declined to comment on Mr Lyons’s speech, which bears such w striking, resemblance to Mr Bruce’s restrained declaration when ho addressed, the assembly, as to suggest that Mr Bruce lias taken pains to urge on Mr Lyons the advisability of remaining a few paces behind Britain in spite of the strong character of the South African, New Zealand, Free State, and to a lesser degree, the Canadian declarations.

The Associated Press learns that Mr Bruce considers even if a breach comes the process of international action against the aggressor will only be gradual. (He therefore deprecates any form of commitment until the nations are faced with the absolute necessity.

CAREFULLY READ BY ALOISI.

NO COMMENT TO MAKE. (Received This Day, 12.45 p.m.) LONDON, September 24. The Associated Press is informed that “Baron Aloisi very carefully read Mr Lyons’ speech and decided not to comment on it.” DEJECTION IN NAPLES. CALAMITY IN PROSPECT, OF WAR SYDNEY, September 24.. Captain G. Thorpe (commander of the Orient liner Ormonde, which has arrived from tendon) said a spirit of dejection was very noticeable among the people of Naples, and Italian business men saw calamity , for. Italy in the prospect of war. They expressed regret that Mussolini had gone so far. Others did not believe lie would go through with his promise.

H.M.S. SUSSEX LEAVES DARWIN

DARWIN, Sept. 24. The cruiser Sussex left last night for an unstated destination.