EMBARGO ON OIL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 81, 17 January 1936, Page 5

EMBARGO ON OIL.

UNCERTAINTY OF ACTION. BRITISH CABINET DISCUSSIONS. LONDON', January IG. The Cabinet yesterday discussed the oil embargo, with the knowledge that the economic- measures already taken against Italy are working with rapidly-increasing efficacy, says the political correspondent of "The Times." As a member of the League, the British Government has already assented to the proposal that these measures should be extended by a refusal of oil supplies. This proposal stands, the only conditions attached to it being that it shall he a common undertaking by all members of the League that it shall not fail in its effect, and that it will be for the League to institute the necessary inquiries. Especially because of President Roosevelt's new neutrality policy and the extreme complexity of the whole international system of oil supply, on which the Cabinet- considered that Imore information is certainly necessary, the Paris correspondent of "The Times" says it is not expected .that the Government will take any initiative at Geneva in the raising, of an oil embargo. It is considered that the easiest method of approach would be for the President of the Committee of Eighteen to place the embargo on the committee's agenda without calling on any member State to take the initiative.

The political correspondent of the

"Daily Telegraph" says the probable outcome of the League Council s discussions is a full inquiry by experts into all the implications of the od embargo under existing conditions, before any decisive step is taken. _ Tms will lie in accordance with the wish ot the British Government. ITALY'S OBJECTIVES DISCUSSED. IMPRESSION IN GENEVA. GENEVA, January 16. Everyone is asking what Italy hopes to gain by such violations of civilised warfare? ' League circles are most indignant about the whole question which is now certain to be discussed by the Council which may demand an explanation from Italy. _ _ It is suggested that Signor Mussohm is seeking excuses to break with the League.