CHECKS ON ITALY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 155, 14 April 1936, Page 5

CHECKS ON ITALY

THE IMPOSING OF SANCTIONS. MILITARY ACTION AT ISSUE, BRITISH CABINET TO MEET. LONDON, April 13. The diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” understands that the British Government is satisfied that economic sanctions are ineffective and that collective security can be effective only if members of the League are prepared to employ military sanctions when necessary. The Ministers must decide whether to put this view to the test in the present dispute. Important members of the . League are prepared to support Britain. The correspondent adds that Mr Eden, by telephone, communicated with Mr Baldwin at the week-end, resulting in the expectation that the Prime Minister will summon leading members of the Cabinet who have taken the chief part in the discussions on the international situation to meet on April 14. This will enable Mr Eden to explain the difficulties which must be faced, and also to seek fresh authority regarding oil sanctions if peace efforts fail. The Government has already decided its general policy in regard to this matter, but developments last week necessitated more precise instructions. The Paris correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says, it is widely feared that the proposal to reinforce sanctions seriously will permanently impair relations between France and Britain. The question whether France will throw in her lot with Britain or Italy is being widely discussed.

FEELING AGAINST BRITAIN. ITALIANS VIEW OF MR EDEN. “WILFUL PLAYING "WITH FIRE.” (Received This Day, 1.30 P- m -) ! LONDON, April 18. The Rome correspondent of “The Times” says that although the tension is less acute than when the first news of the British naval concentration in the Mediterranean was received, feeling against England is still profound. Italy undoubtedly has prepared as far as possible for all eventualities. It is contended, ill view of the sanctionist front crumbling before the Italian adi ance in Abyssinia, that recent events at Geneva indicated more clearly than ever that the real conflict is not between Italy and the League but between Engand and Italy. Dr. Victor Guyda chiefly blames Mr Eden’s “Individualist overhearing policy,” including raising the subject ot Italy’s use of gas and his threats to attempt to increase sanctions. However, sober-minded Italians are not inclined to accept the frequent reports from London that British opinion does not support Mr Eden. Italians regard as incomprehensible the idea that Italy should evacuate the territory occupied in Abyssinia. They do not believe that Britain would resort to war to compel evacuation. Accordingly they consider Mr Eden’s activities wilfully dangerous and playing with fire. It is still not decided whether Italy will take part in the staff talks.

’PLANES OVER ADDIS ABABA. NO SHOTS OR BOMBS. ADDIS ABABA, April 13. Nine Italian reconnaissance ’planes and one tri-motored Caproni bomber flew over Addis Ababa to-day. Signal guns were fired an hour before the ’planes reached the capital, but when the roar of the motors was heard, the population fled to shelters, and the foreign legations were crowded. The ’planes all came from the north, and reconnoitred over the wireless station. No bombs were dropped and. no shots fired. BISHOP INDITES NfATIONS. LONDON, April 12. The, Bishop of London (the Rt. Rev. Dr. Winnington-Ingram), preaching at St. Paul’s Cathedral, said that if Jesus Christ stood up in Italy and denounced the use of poison gas upon defenceless barbarians he would immediately he imprisoned and probably shot as a traitor. Let him stand in the Rhineland denouncing hatred and suspicion between nations and lie would probably be shot at by both sides.