ADOWA FALLEN

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 304, 7 October 1935, Page 5

ADOWA FALLEN

TERRIBLE SLAUGHTER INFLICTED

MOWN BY MACHINE GUNS I THE TRIBESMEN BEWILDERED DEFENDERS’ OLD MUNITIONS

(United Press Association —-Copyright) (Received This Day, 9.30 a.m.) * • ' LONDON, October 6. It is reported that Adowa has fallen. The Abyssinian casualties were very heavy. Mr Noel Monks, the “Sun-Herald’s” correspondent says it is reported that 200 Italian prisoners were captured near Adowa, The fall of Adowa followed a determined Italian advance, commencing at dawn. The right wing

met the fiercest opposition in Gastiorlai Pass, where Ras Seyoum had stationed 7000 famoits Danakil warriors, who poured down a hot fire from the • surrounding hill" side's, supported by artillery firing, which, however, was most erratic owing to the nature of the ammunition, most of which was extremely old. The Abyssinians were also forced to economise in shells. The’ Italians brought light mountain guns into action and dislodged the Abyssinians. Concentrated shelling forced Ras Seyoum to retire, without loss of guns, and the Italians proceeded to occupy , several small fortified posts. General Santini’s army corps made an encircling movement following the fall of Adigrat, and engaged, in battle for Adowa. Italian light armoured cars, belching .machine-gun fire, inflicted terrible slaughter, and it is estimated that 2000 were mown down before the way to

Adowa was opened. , The tribesmen were so bewildered by the savagery of -the fire that the Italians were able to take several hundred prisoners, which is remarkable as a Danakil’s honour demands death rather than to bow before an enemy. . . The Italian losses were slight. The Italians were able to enter Adowg. without resistance, apart froir( occasional sniping. The Abyssinians are reported to have removed the staff of the Italian Consulate as hostages.

ADIGRAT LOST AND RECOVERED

HELD DESPITE BOMBARDMENT.

6000 ABYSSINIAN CASUALTIES,

(Received This Day, 8.40 a.m.) ADDIS ABABA, October 6

Noel Monks (the “Sun-Herald” correspondent) reports that although the Abyssinians were driven out of Adigrat they recaptured and are still holding it, despite continual bombing by 11 enemy! ’planes, tanks, and field guns. The Italians were also repulsed at Danakil, where the Abyssinians throwing away their rifles, are storming the enemy lines with spears and swords.

It is estimated that the Abyssinians’ casualties total 6000 killed and wounded.

The Emperor is showing great forbearance with Italian Ministers and members of the Legation, who have been refused leave until the overdue Consul from Debramarkos arrives. Portion of the Emperor’s, guard is still at the Legation. Mussolini placed their lives in jeopardy by attacking before they left, only the Emperor’s fairmindedness saving them. The population here is constantly dreading an air raid..

SILENCE REGARDING ADOWA

NO MENTION IN ITALIAN PRESS.

FLAG HOISTED ON RUINED FORT

(Received This Day, 10.30 a.m.) ROME, October 6. The capture of Adowa has not yet been reported in the Italian press. An official communique states:

“Our flag was hoisted on Saturday on the ruined fort of Adigrat, from which it was lowered in 1896. The native army corps, after grim clever fighting, overpowered the enemy. “The army corps reached the outskirts of Adowa. last night, the air force co-operating with • troops and showing the finest spirit in the face of difficult resistance.” Another communique reports the occupation of Gerlogubi after a short fight.

AN ADVANCE AT SUNRISE.

ITALIANS ON ALL FRONTS

ROME, October 4

An official communique issued at Rome announced that two Italian bombing squadrons, notwithstanding heavy fire from anti-aircraft guns and from large groups of armed men around Adowa, achieved their objectives during the night. The Italian troops rested on their positions and after sunrise ibis morning the advance was resumed on all fronts.

SMALL TOWNS BOMBED

NUMBER OF CHIEFS SURRENDER

SOLDIERS THROW DOWN RIFLES,

(Received This Day, 9.55 a.m.) LONDON, October 6. The British United Press says: Italian ’planes bombed and machine-gun-ned Arba, S&rkauts and Tabetcha, small towns 75 to 100 miles south of Adowa.- The number of victimsjs not known, but it is 1 stated to include women and children. The Abyssinian troops were not involved as they had withdrawn to strongly entrenched positions before the commencement of the raid. ;

General Biroli’s forces encountered fierce resistance twelve miles north of Adowa.

The British United Press correspondcivil population everywhere is displaying white flags. A number of chieftains tendered submission during the night and hundreds of soldiers threw their rifles at Biroli’s feet as a. token of surrender.

Martial law ha 9 been proclaimed at Diredawa on the Addis Ababa-Djiboiiti railway, where the population is panicstricken as the prospect of air raids.

A hundred .thousand Abyssinians are entrenched at Jigjiga, awaiting reinforcements. It- is rumoured that Abyssinian snipers inflicted considerable casualties on the Italians who are advancing from Somaliland.

An official communique states that six ’planes, after bombing Gerlogubi, reported strong concentrations of Abyssinian forces in the district, some of which were bombed.

RED CROSS EMBLEMS.

COMPLAINTS BY THE ITALIANS.

PAINTED ON GOVERNOR’S 'HOUSE

(Received This Day, 10.30 a.m.) GENEVA, October 6

The Italians have protested to the League against alleged abuses of the Red Cross emblems. They declare that red crosses were painted on’ thirty houses at Adowa, with the object ot making them appear as hospitals or ambulance stations. A Red Cross is painted on the governor’s residence at Harar, but was removed after representations by a foreign consul.

SOUTHWARD DRIVE DENIED.

ENGAGEMENTS ELSEWHERE

ROME, October 5

The Italian Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Signor Suvich) telegraphing to the League from Rome denies that the Italians moved southward from their posts at Mount Mous-

sali. He adds that this territory in any case is not demarcated. Local reports state that 50,000 Abyssinians are prepared to oppose any such advance.

An Italian drive northwards into Ogaden from Somaliland was accompanied by engagements in which both sidor suffered, but neither so heavily as was at- first stated.

NAIROBI NATIVES’ DESIRE.

TO AID ETHIOPIAN BROTHERS.

PERMISSION TO FIGHT SOUGHT

(Received This Day, 9.55 "a.m.) LONDON, October 6, It was reported from Addis Ababa tihat Nairobi natives passed a resolution asking the Government’s permission to march to Abyssinia to fight for the independence of their Ethiopian brothers.

ADOWA’S STUBBORN DEFENCE.

HAND-TO-HAND FIGHTING.

HEAVY CASUALTIES REPORTED. . LONDON, October 5. The Italians were to-day again denied the satisfaction of rejoicing over a victory at Adowa, which remains m Abyssinian hands, in spite of three days of bombardment from the air and by artillery. The Abyssinians also declare that they defeated assaults on Adigrat, which the Italians yesterday claimed they had captured. Addis Ababa messages assert , that the Italians are held up 17 miles north of Adowa, where they hastily dug themselves in. The Abyssinians made a counter-attack, and desperate hand-to-hand fighting with bayonets and daggers followed. There was a large deathroll. , „ Ras Seyoum telegraphed to the Emperor: “Casualties are heavy north of Adigrat. The troops are behaving excellently. They have captured three machine-guns. Enemy infantry, strongly supported by aeroplanes, is at present held up at Bet-Ehawariat.” The Emperor’s entourage is urging him to leave the capital, because of the danger of air raids. Haile Selassie replied that he intended, at an opportune moment, -to establish headquarters at the front and direct operations.

The Emperor’s coolness is winning admiration. He works 20 hours a day. He has ordered all the Abyssinian aeroplanes at present in the capital to be hidden in a wooded valley in Jimmu, to avoid air raids, for Abyssinia possesses so few aeroplanes _that they must be carefully reserved to communicate with the various fronts.

Twenty-six ariti-aircraft guns are mounted at strategic points in Addis Ababa, at the railway station, near the Royal palaces, and in the central square at St. George. Eucalyptus branches are widely used to camouflage glaring galvanised iron roofs in the capital. The Emperor ordered that Moussali should be held at all costs, as its fall would cause the severing of the Djibouti railway. Heavy Fighting in Danakil. Severe close fighting is reported from the Danakil area, especially at Asfab. -Ail unofficial estimate gives 1300 Ethiopians and 700 Italians killed. It is officially reported that 63 were killed in the air raids on Adowa, which is still holding out. Seven Italian aeroplanes passed Fiche, only 70 miles north of the capital.

The British United Press correspondent says all the Abyssinian troops in Harrar have been ordered to concentrate on Jijiga in order to check the Italians’ northern advance over the easier, country. The Emperor has ordered foreigners to evacuate Diredawa, or remain at their own peril. It is also reported, that Italian aero-

planes bombed Dessie. The correspondent of the “Sun-Her-ald” News Service at Addis Ababa, Mr Noel Monks, reports that the Emperor issued an air raid warning to residents of Addis Ababa. He also accepted an offer of immediate assistance from the International Red Cross, at Geneva. Expert members of the British Red Cross Society are on their way to Abyssinia from Nairobi. Four Abyssinian aeroplanes left Addis Ababa at dawn laden with ammunition for Adowa. A big infantry attack is expected on the Ogaden front to-day. There is,a strong possibility of Ilarrar being raided by air.' It is reported that in the severe battle at Adigrat 300 Abyssinians were killed, although Abyssinia gained a victory, its men capturing machineguns and ammunition. Italian aeroplanes patrolling to the north are bombing and machine-gun-ning villages, killing many women and children.

FALL OF ADOWA AWAITED

ITALY PREPARING CELEBRATION TERRAIN HAMPERS ADVANCE, LONDON, October 5. The whole of Italy is ntvaiting on tip toes the news of the fall oi Adowa, When that happens there will be na-tion-wide celebrations for the wiping out of the rankling humiliation of the defeat of 1896. The latest reports reaching Rome show that General Santini, after his easy capture of Adigrat, is now closing his pincers on Adowa, in the hope of isolating Ras Seyoum’s forces, to which 15,000 reinforcements are rushing, with the intention of harassing the Italian flanks. The Italian people were not informed of the capture of Adigrat, for the obvious reason that all glory must be reserved for the fall of Adowa, No mention of casualties appeared in the Italian press. The Italian Foreign Office declares that a steel ring is drawing in on Adowa. The final assault will be launched to-day or Monday. Land and air units are advancing at the best possible speed. The aeroplane flown by Count Ciano,

Mussolini’s son-in-law, was struck by two bullets during a- reconnaissance flight, but returned safely. Noneol the crew was injured.

The special correspondent of the British United Press, who is accompanying General Biroli’s column 4 advancing toward Adowa, describes native levies, and Europeans sunburnt almost as black as the natives, toiling along narrow tracks through defiles jn hills, six inches deep in dust, under a. blazing sun. Columns of mules are carrying machine-guns and ammunition, slipping and sliding over the rough trails. Huge herds of cattle driven on for the troops’ food, stir up clouds of dust which are visible for miles. The columns passed thousands of Italian labourers stripped to the waist and drenched with sweat, rolling stones away,. clearing the thorny scrub and widening and levelling trails for guns and motor transport. They are working at the rate of six miles a day. An official message published in Romo says the Somaliland army occupied Dola, close to the Kenya border, and bombed Gorahai (near Ualual), from the air. The whole line is advancing, using fleets of tanks and armoured cars.

Observers comment how closely General de Bono’s strategy is modelled on British lines, mainly on the strategy evolved in Indian frontier campaigns. One of his first acts after the capture of Adigrat was. to issue food to the native inhabitants who were practically starving.

TROOPS FOR SUDAN BORDER.

ETHIOPA’S GREATEST GENERAL.

(Received This Day, 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, October 6.

Ras Kassa, the Abyssinian’ greatest general, is hurrying nom Condar to the Sudan border with 100,000 men.

HOSPITAL BOMBING DENIED.

ADDIS ABABA, October 5

Italy has sent a Note to the League denying the bombing of the hospital at Adowa, which they said did not exist.

UNPROVOKED AGGRESSOR.

ITALY’S BR'EAK OF COVENANT.

THE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUS

(Received This Day, 9.55 a.m.)

GENEVA, October 6

The British United Press correspondent says that the Committee of Six unanimously reports that Italy violar ted Ai'ticles XII., XIII., and XV. of the Covenant and committed an act of unprovoked aggression against Abyssinia .

REQUEST BY ABYSSINIA.

LEAGUE TO STOP HOSTILITIES.

REJOINDER BY BARON ALOIS!

(Received This Day, 12.5 p.m.) LONDON, October 5

The League Secretariat has reveived a long communication from the Ethiopian Government. The Note contains a reasoned request for the application of Article XVI. of the Covenant against Italy and proceeds: The Ethiopian Government respectfully but firmly asks the Council declare that these indisputable facts constitute a resort to war by Italy within the meaning of Article XVI. of the Covenant and that this resort to war has ipso facto, brought about the consequences laid down in Article XVI., paragraph I. Lastly, the Ethiopian Government respectfully asks the Council to fulfil the duty developing upon it under Article XVI. to put an end as soon as possible, to the hostilities which have just begun in defiance of law and the most solemn obligations.

At a public session of the Council, Baron Aloisi declared that if the Council had carefully studied the Italian memorandum and the declaration of Italian. Government on the origin of the dispute it would have seen that Italy had been obliged to take precautionary measures to assure the safety of her colonies situated thousands of miles front Italy itself. No other State could have neglected the exigencies of th® situation, consequently the present military operations by Italy, following Ethiopian mobilisation, wore perfectly legitimate. The Ethiopian representative’s speech followed closely the lines of the Ethiopian Government’s Note to the League asking for the application of Article XVI. He concluded by asking the Council to telegraph to the Italian Government requesting that hostilities should cease.—British Official Wireless.

ACTION BY THE LEAGUE,

THE AGGRESSOR TO BE NAMED.

COUNCIL APPOINTS COMMITTEE

GENEVA, October 5.

The Committee of Thirteen sat until 5.45 p.m., and recommended to the Council:—

(1) If any violation of the Convenant occurred it should be rectified. (2) That the Council should reserve the right to take any necessary measures.

It was also decided to convoke the assembly on Wednesday afternoon, which, it is believed, indicates that the discussion of sanctions is. likely. The Council met and appointed a committee of six, consisting of France, Britain, Portugal, Denmark, Chile, and Rumania, to study the new situation and designate the aggressor. As soon as M. Laval and Baron Aloisi arrived they conferred. The special correspondent of the As-

sociated Press in Geneva says an extremely bad impression was left when the Council, while bombs and shells were falling in Ethiopia, adjourned till Monday without passing either the report of the Committee of Thirteen or attempting to define the aggressor. _ Thus, though warfare has been in progress for three days, nobody was prepared even to declare that a state of war existed. It is left to the Committee of Six to consider the complaints and counter-complaints since hostilities broke out. The corespondent understands that the committee’s task will be to “become a vehicle of persuasion for endeavouring to prepare the stage for somebody to begin the process of designating the aggressor. The Council, on Monday, will vote on the report of the Committee of Thirteen, but in spite of the urgency of Ethiopia’s, appeal it cannot be regarded as certain that even on Monday the Council will declare a state of war.

Moreover, the summoning of the Assembly for Wednesday suggests that the Council might wish to defer any vital move until it has tested the feeling of the Assembly. To-night the Council gathered in a tense atmosphere. Tecla Hawariat was barely audible when, with great restraint, he read his long appeal. Ke halted before delivering the last distressing paragraph:—-“Regarding the proposal to adjourn till Monday, I ask the Council to address to the Italian Government an appeal to cease military operations and the massacre of the peasant population.’’ The President (Senor Guianzu) gazed round the painfully self-counscious council table, where delegates continued to sjt immobile for a few minutes before the adjournment, leaving yet another committee to begin an even more difficult task than those its predecessors had faced. Baron Aloisi' and Tecla Hawariat both asked for time to study the report of the Committee of Thirteen, which severely censures Italy and contrasts the diplomatic settlements made by the British and French after Abyssinian frontier raids and incidents, and their acceptance of the Emperor’s difficulties in fulfilling his sincere intentions to carry out reforms, with the Italian method. It adds, obviously referring to Italy s championing of Abyssinian entry to the League, that there is apparently no more disorder and insecurity to-day than there was in 1923; indeed, Ethiopia is better organised and the central authority is better obeyed. The best way to help Ethiopia is by co-operation, enabling the necessary construction work and development of natural resources. The report points out that Ethiopia accepted in principle the Conciliation Committee’s recommendations, which were based on the Covenant, and on the treaties between Italy and Abyssinia. A solution of the problem of relations between the countries must be founded on the independent territorial integrity and security of members of the League. _ . The report declares that Ethiopia first appealed to the League on December 14, 1934,. Italy’s first memorandum was tabled on September 4, 1935. Meanwhile Italy had opposed consideration of the question by the Council, on the grounds that the Italo-Ethiopian treaty of 1928 provided the necessary procedure. Nevertheless, Italy throughout that period was sending troops to East Africa and representing to the Council that their dispatch was necessary to defend her colonies from an Abyssinian menace. Ethiopia, on the other hand, drew attention to* Italian official pronouncements which it believed proved that Italy had hostile intentions, yet under the Covenant and the various treaties a resort to arms was excluded.

The report adds that while other countries retain the_ right to direct the Council’s attention to Ethiopia’s undertakings, the Council alone is competent to examine the matter and make recommendations to Abyssinia. If Italy had laid her grievances before the League, the Council would have made an effort to remedy 'them. Moreover, Italy could have resorted to arbitration under the Italo-Abyssinian Treaty.

EMBARGO ON ARMS,

ACTION BY UNITED STATES.

RAW MATERIALS NOT AFFECTED

WASHINGTON, October 5. Frankly recognising that a state of Avar existed betAveen Italy and Ethiopia, Mr Roosevelt declared an immediate embargo, under the new Neutrality Act, on Amrican shipments of arms, nmnitions, and implements of Avar to either nation.

The President confined the embargo to implements and munitions actually used in Avarfare, including aeroplanes, aeroplane engines, and parts of rifles, guns, ammunition, and poison gas and military equipment. Any American avlio violates the embargo is liable to a fine of 10,000 dollars or five years’ imprisonment, or both.

If the President chooses, he may later expand the list to include such things as cotton, copper, and other raAV materials. The President received the news of the Avar Avlien he Avas aboard the cruiser Houston, and immediately directed the Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) to issue the proclamation of the embargo. No attempt Avas made to define either Italy or. Ethiopia as the aggressor.

Shipments of actual munitions to Italy this year have been Avortli less than .500,000 dollars, mostly aeroplanes and parts. No munitions have been exported to Ethiopia.

The President’s statement accompanying the embargo, in addition to re cognising ’ the existence of a state' oi Avar, said: “Any of our people avlio voluntarily engage in transactions of any character Avith either of the belligerents do so at their oavii risk.”

THE EMBARGO WELCOMED.

TACIT APPROVAL OF SANCTIONS

EVEN BLOCKADE INDICATED

(Received This Day, 10.30 a.m.) GENEVA. October 6

British circles Avelcome President Roosevelt’s declaration of an embargo on arms especially as it Avas announced before the League had agreed that aggression had occurred. It is considered the declaration is tantamount to an invitation to the League to proceed

with sanctions with America’s benevolent non-interference.

League officials regard the declaration as an intimation that the United States will not object even to a blockade. The question now is not whether sanctions shall be taken but what sane-, tions will be applied.

M. LAVAL AND SANCTIONS.

OPPOSED BY SOME MINISTERS. LONDON, October 4. Despite the official statement of unanimity, the “Guardian’s” correspondent in Paris says that a large number of Ministers are opposed to M. Laval’s attitude in regard to sanctions, urging stronger support of Britain.

REPLY APPROVED.

FRANCE AND BRITAIN

LONDON, October 4. The French Cabinet met this afternoon, and approved the terns of the French Government’s reply to the recent inquiry by Britain regarding an attack on Britain in circumstances analogous to those foreseen in paragraph 3 of article XVI. of the Covenant, but before that article became operative. The Cabinet also approved the action taken at Geneva by M. Laval in collaboration with Mr Eden in connection with the Italo-Abyssinian conflict.—British Official Wireless.

CABINET SUPPORTS M. LAVAL,

MESSAGE TO HIS COUNTRYMEN.

AN APPEAL FOR UNITY

PARIS, October 4

Cabinet’s support of M. Laval was unanimous and he was accorded entire confidence in his conduct of the negotiations. Before going to Geneva, M. Laval summoned newspaper representatives, through whom he addressed his coum trymen. “I shall assume my weighty responsibility with a clear vision of France’s interests and conform with the cause of peace,” said M. Laval. “I have the right, in the circumstances, to appeal for the cessation of internal partisanship and strife. The country, like the Government, must exhibit sang froid. 1 do not represent a political party, but France. In Geneva my authority will be greater by the extent of the country’s unity.”

AVOIDING EXTENSIONS.

REPORTED OFFER BY MUSSOLINI BRITAIN IN MEDITERRANEAN. LONDON, October 5. Signor Grand! (Italian Ambassador to London) sought an intervieAV Avith Sir Samuel Hoare and made a statement Avhich, it is believed will considerably affect the discussions iii tlie League. According to “The Times,” Signor Grandi presented a cordial message from Signor Mussolini, identical AA r ith a communication to M. Laval, in which II Duce affirmed that Italian action in Abyssinia had not altered his determination, if possible, Avith full Anglo-French agreement, to avoid an extension of the'conflict. Signor Mussolini believed that hostilities would be shortened if the tension in the Mediterranean Avere replaced by co-opera-tion toward, settlement. All concerned might contribute by a simultaneous parallel of the cancellation of the precautionary measures Avhich had been undertaken to meet a non-existent danger. Signor Mussolini, Avhile conscious of liis responsibility for Italian interests, is equally desirous of maintaining European peace. Signor Grandi said that although it Avas not considered that Italy Avas fairly treated at Geneva, she Avould collaborate in discussions unless forced to AvithdraAv by the other members of the League. Signor Mussolini held that the military operations in Abyssinia did not prevent discussions betAveen Italy, France and Britain aiming at an understanding Avhich would satisfy Italy’s just demands and bring about a peaceful settlement, duly considering all interests.

Signor Mussolini said he appreciated the understanding betAveen France and Italy in January, and the British and French assurances that neither country entertained aggressive intentions. Negotiations starting from there, intended to establish normal relations, Avould be welcome in Rorhe.

It is reliably understood that Sir Samuel Hoare, replying., to Signor Grandi, said that though Signor Mussolini complained that Italy had been misunderstood, there had been. a very grave misunderstanding in Rome regarding British policy. Sir Samuel Hoare did not respond to the suggestion to cancel 1 the Mediterranean precautions, or to • revive three-Power talks. He adhered strictly to the British vieAV that the dispute was' uoav a matter for the League.

SAVAGE PATRIOTS.

DEFENDING HEART OF COUNTRY.

REAL TEST NOT YET MADE. LONDON, October 4. The maximum strength of the Abyssinian defence will not be disclosed until the full resources of the invaders, face the savage patriots defending the heart of their country from semi-im-pregnable mountain barriers. The Italians officially, deny that any

civilians were killed during the horn* bardment of Adowa. Ras vSeyoum, who is defending this front, yielded to a heavy Italian-at-tack on Agamo,—where an Italian aeroplane- is reported to have been shot down, —and fell hack upon Mdibaria. It is not thought he intends long to withstand the invaders, but that he will harrass their advance to the fullest possible extent. V Meanwhile Abyssinian reinforcements have resistfd the capture of Adowa, though at heavy post. Experts point out that; the defenders never., intended permanently to maintain the .Adpwa-Aksum linp. :! ,The peal test will occur much further south.

Ras Ayenu, on Seyoum’s. left flank, effected a diversion by launching'l2,ooo warriors northward, toward Agordat, in Eritrea, reportedly capturing some Italian outposts.

ITALY PEARFUL OF FUTURE.

EARLY END OF WAR HOPED FOR WITH DICTATION OF TERMS. < LONDON, October 4. . The ‘News-Chronicle’s” Rome correspondent says that the capital, is seething with rumours of 400 . -fatal Italian casualties.

Rich and poor, fearful of the future, are turning cash. into gold, diamonds and real estate.

The only hope expressed is that after the capture of Adowa and Harrar. Signor Mussolini will order a halt and dictate terms. ' ■ ■

The ‘Daily Telegraph’s” Rome.correspondent says that Signor Mussolini is constantly in telephonic communication with General De Bono, whom he has appointed Commancfer-iit-Chief of the Expeditionary i land, sea and air forces. . - ‘ V"~ ;

PLEA NOT REGARDED SERIOUSLY ITALY’S SELF-DEFENCE. LONDON, October 4. The special correspondent of the Associated Press at Geneva says that the Italian declaration that the raid was undertaken in self-defence is not regarded seriously at Geneva.

“BELOVED OF GOD.”

ITALIANS’ VIEW OF THEMSELVES

PROCLAMATION AT ADOWA.

ADDIS ABABA, October 4.

A proclamation dropped from Italian aeroplanes over Adowa says: “The Crown taken illegally by the Choans will be returned to the Zigrians. The Government at Addis Ababa always despoiled you and has taken your-food in bad days. The Italians have always helped you. The Italians are the beloved of God.” ■

BOOK OFFENSIVE TO ITALY.

SPANIARD FINED AND IMPRISONED.

MADRID, October 4

A message from- Barcelona states that an-author, Diego Ruiz, was fined £3OO and imprisoned for publishing a book entitled “Duce Against Negus,” which Me Italian Consul considers offensive to Italy.

A DANGEROUS HERESY.

POLICY OF BRITISH ISOLATION.

SPEECH BY MR BALDWIN. LONDON, October 4. The Prime Minister (Mr Stanley BaldAvin), addressing a meeting at Bournemouth, said: “I appeal to Italy, even at this hour, to refrain from rendering the Council’s task moro arduous.” He added that isolation—at present- a fundamental and most dangerous heresy—-would be more dangerous in the future, on both national and imperial grounds. The time might come when events. in Europe might have repercussions throughout the Empire. The Prime Minister, paid a tribute to the Empire’s unswerving support at Gene\ r a.

Referring to the necessity Of Britain strengthening her defences, the Prime Minister said that Germany’s rearming altered the AA’hole perspective of the continent. “I do not regard Germany as -a 1 potential foe, and hope for continuance of her friendship,” said Mr BaldAvin. Nevertheless, some day the obligations of the League may necessitate their maintenance by arms. We are not entitled to accept those obligations without repairing our deficiencies. Mr BaldAvin said : “Moreover dictatorships tend to divert attention from domestic difficulties bv. external advem ture. Consequently I am not satisfied Avith the position, especially, in vieAv of the Aveight our Avords ought to carry.” Mr Baldwin reiterated that Britain cannot he inferior in the air to any country within striking distance. The food services must also be secured. He Avelcomed Labour’s acceptance of sanctions, but felt that the party generally liap not realised all the implications thereof, as such knoAvledge was obtainable only in office. He was convinced that the trades unions supported sanctions because Fascism suppressed trades unions, but there was no risk of Fascism in Britain unless Communism Avere introduced, of which there Avas nob the slightest risk.

Mr BaldAvin."said that at this critical hour they should lAot be surprised if ho devoted nearly his Avliole speech to current events and international affairs. Britain could not afford, either as a nation or as an Empire, to refuse to

play its part in the Continent of Eu rope, where the hand of God had placed it.

Britain’s primary interest was to see peace preserved in Europe. They believed that through collective security in the League of Nations they had at hand the best means of preserving peace and exercising some measure of control over events, should peace be temporarily broken. The British Government had from the very beginning of the dispute between Italy and Abyssinia spoken and acted solely in its capacity as a member of the league, and in fulfilment of its obligations under the covenant. This country resented and indignantly rejected aspersions which had been cast upon its sincerity in defending the Covenant. The Government, he added, had never had any intention of taking isolated action in the dispute.

ARMAMENT SHARES RISE.

QUOTA FOR TIN.

LONDON, October 5

The city editor of the “NewsChronicle” says the feature of the markets was the almost explosive increase in armament sharps, considerable gains being common. Metal prices rose sympathetically. The International Tin Committee has recommended that the tin quota he increased by 5 per cent, retrospectively from July 1.

INQUIRIES ABOUT CARGO.

ITALIAN WARSHIPS IN MEDITERRANEAN.

LONDON, October 5

The ‘Star” reports that Italian warships ■ signalled certain merchantmen operating in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea inquiring the nature of their cargoes. The warships did not insist or molest the merchantmen when the information was declined.

CENSORSHIP IMPOSED.

CABLEGRAMS FROM DOMINION TO ETHIOPIA.

WELLINGTON, This Day

The Director-General of the 'Post and Telegraph Department (Mr F. J. Shanks) announces:— “Until further notice telegrams (for Ethiopia must be expressed in plain language, and are subject to censorship.”