SEEKING PEACE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 122, 5 March 1936, Page 5

SEEKING PEACE

APPEAL BY THE LEAGUE. POSSIBILITY OF SUCCESS. ATTITUDE OF MUSSOLINI. (United Press Association— Copyright.) LONDON, March 4. The resolution of the League Committee of Thirteen asking Italy and Abvssinia to negotiate for peace, was only adopted with great difficulty after prolonged discussion. , The Geneva correspondent of the "Manchester Guardian" says that Mr Eden wanted to give the belligerents only 48 hours to reply. M. Flandin and M. Paul Boncour did not desire a time limit—and they were apparently successful, because the resolution does not specifically mention a time limit though one is obviously implied. Mr Eden also attempted to insist on the suspension of hostilities during negotiations, but M. Flandin and M. Boncour opposed Mr Eden, who again seems to have given way. The Geneva, correspondent of "The Times", says Mr Men finally accepted the resolution only on the distinct understanding that the Committee of Eighteen's work on the oil embargo should not bo interrupted. The moment chosen for the appeal is generally regarded as favourable. Nevertheless, there is a great deal of scepticism about the chances of ultimate success.

The appeal stipulates that negotiations must be within the frame-work of the League, whereas Italy so* far has shown no inclination to discuss terms on any basis other than her victories. Abyssinia, on the other hand, may refuse and gamble on the effect of the rainy season and sanctions. The Rome correspondent of "The Times" says that well-informed persons predict that the appeal is unlikely to fall on altogether deaf ears. It is suggested, however, that this time greater freedom, might be allowed to the conflicting parties, with the League not dominating the Emperor. This in no way excludes a solution within the covenant, but it is claimed that if the Emperor were allowed to intervene as a decisive element, other solutions might be possible. In other words, it felt that th;3 Emperor will be compelled to conaider the unhappy situation in which his Empire is placed by the Italian military successes. Therefore, it is argued, lie might be induced to yield territorial concessions which the League would have no reason to oppose..

THE OIL EMBARGO PLANS. CONSIDERATION CONTINUING. LONDON, March 3. The appeal by the League of Nations to Italy and Abyssinia to open peace negotiation's was approved at a brief session of the Council, sitting without Italy, as the Committee of Thirteen. The Committee will meet next Tuesday to receive the replies of the two Governments. The machinery set in motion by the League to deal with the dispute will not be arrested during the next week. The task of working out actual details for the application of oil sanctions, should such a course be found necessary, will, in accordance with the programme, be remitted to the experts by the Committee of Eighteen; and .it is understood that the British delegates' acceptance of the resolution proposing conciliation was contingent on such work being proceeded with. It is expected in Geneva that sanctions will continue until a settlement is reached.

Mr Eden will return to London after the meeting of the Committee of Eighteen to-morrow, and will revisit Geneva in time for the resumed meeting of the Committee.—British Official Wireless.

UNITED STATES THANKED. SERVICE TO WORLD PEACE. ROME, March 3. The following communique was issued after a meeting of the Italian Cabinet: "Signor Mussolini, referring to the series of great victories which have caused the Abyssinian northern front to break up, stated: 'The American Congress has approved the pure, simple continuation of the present law of neutrality. As Italians we cannot fail to.notice the political action of the United States with satisfaction; but I. wish to add that the American deputies and senators who have refused the embargo on petroleum and other raw materials have rendered a precious service in the cause of world peace. "As for the Naval Conference, our attitude cannot surprise those who remember the declarations made by the head of our delegation at the opening sessions. An agreement of a political character cannot he signxl by Italy under threat of the stiffening of sanctions."