“NO EUROPEAN WAR”

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 63, 26 December 1935, Page 5

“NO EUROPEAN WAR”

DECLARATION BY MUSSOLINI. POWERS PROMISE RESISTANCE. STRONG COMBINED AIR FORCES, (United Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, Decern eb2r4. “I never thought, and never will think, of promoting a European war on account of the Abyssinian problem,” declared Signor Mussolini, in an interview with the Budapest newspaper “Ay est Yuma.” French official circles believe that Signor Mussolini would in no circumstances attack Britain or any Power applying sanctions, if it were made clear that an attack would be resisted by the combined forces of tire European members of the League of Nations, or even the Mediterranean Powers. The diplomatic correspondent of the “Manchester Guardian” says it is understood that among those willing to assist Britain in the event of an unprovoked attack, is a Scandinavian Power. Norway, Sweden and Denmark are taking a more than academic interest in the crisis, its they believe that a similar situation may arise in the Baltic in the future. It is generally realised that mutual assistance cannot he confined to naval reinforcements, and the use of harbours, dockyards, and anchorages. Any conflict is not likely to he limited to naval actions, hut would probably open with an air attack. For that reason the assurances Britain has received are of the utmost value. The combined Yugoslav, Turkish, and Greek air forces are a formidable combination, and this probably would he assisted by Czechoslovakia, which has an excellent air force. Reports from Paris and Angora state that Turkey, in promising to help Britain, asked for permission to refortify the Dardanelles. The Turkish Ambassador in Paris had a conference with M. Laval, who is understood to have said that France would not object if Britain would agree. The Paris correspondent of “The Times” says M. Laval is now contending that there can be no question of new sanctions until the part to be played by each country in the geneial system is clarified and defined. Subject to this condition, the correspondent says there is reason to believe that France is still ready to bear her share in any collective action prescribed by the League. Signor Cerutti (Italian Ambassador) has informed M. Laval that the Italian Government has definitely decided not to reply to the Paris .proposals. “DOWN WITH THE LEAGUE.” STATUE OF M. BRJAND DAMAGED. PARIS, December 24. Unknown persons sawed through the feet cf a bronze statue of M. Aristode Briand, at Pacy, and placed a noose round the neck. “Down with the League of Nations” was painted on the pedestal;