GESTURE IN AIR

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 156, 15 April 1936, Page 5

GESTURE IN AIR

’PLANES OVER ADDIS ABABA. ONLY LEAFLETS DROPPED. ITALIANS REPORT GREAT PANIC. (United Press Association—Copyright.) (Received This Day, 10 a.m.) ROME, April 14. Marshal Badoglio’s communique says “The advance continues on the whole northern front. Twenty-two aeroplanes dropped leaflets over Addis Ababa yesterday, but refrained from warlike actions. Nevertheless the panic among the populace was enormous.” WARNING TO INHABITANTS. ‘ COULD REDUCE CITY TO RUINS.’ (Received This Day, 10 a.m.) ROME, April 14. The leaflets dropped by the Italian aeroplanes .over Addis Ababa concluded with the warning: “We could reduce Addis Ababa to a heap of ruins. We are not doing so, contenting ourselves for the time being that the population should know the truth.” THE EMPEROR’S NOTES. THE ITALIANS ARE SCEPTICAL. (Received This Day, 10.35 a.m.) GENEVA, April 14. Italian circles are sceptical of notes and telegrams- signed “Selassie” arriving at Geneva. In view of the mystery of his whereabouts, it is suggested that the notes are written in Europe and the Emperor’s name forged or that someone in Addis Ababa is using his name. WAR NOT POPULAR IN ITALY. HOSTILITY TO FASCIST REGIME. LONDON, April 14. The idea that the Abyssinian war is popular in Italy is an illusion, says Mr Giovanni Giglio, the Rome correspondent of the “Daily Herald” for 17 years, who has been expelled. Mr Giglio, who is a British subject, born at Malta, says that Italians generally aro tired, dissatisfied and hostile toward the Fascist regime, which led them into an unwanted war. They, understand that whether the result is victory or disaster the country will be completely pauperised, and its export trade negligible for at least 20 yeais. It is realised that even if the whole of Abyssinia is conquered there will be no money to exploit the doubtful iesources. In the meantime food prices are rising daily. FRENCH WARNING TO BRITAIN.

DANGER OF A MEDITERRANEAN WAR. SANCTIONS SHOULD BE ENDED. PARIS, April 14. “Le Tempo,” a semi-official newspaper, warns Britain that any extension of sanctions will provoke violent reaction in Italy. It adds that it would be mad to run the risk of a Mediterranean war on the pretext of ending the fighting in Abyssinia. should not only refuse to participate in further sanctions, but should finish immediately with the existing ones.. “Lo Matin” declares that Britain must not expect France to follow her adventurous policy regarding the conflict between Italy and Abyssinia. Too many moral and economic inteiests are opposed to it. THE PRELIMINARY TALKS. (Received This Day, 10.35 a.m.) GENEVA, April 14. Senor Madariaga (chairman oi the Committee of Thirteen) will meet the Ethiopian representative to-day hut will not come in contact with Baron Aloisj till late to-morrow. If the preliminary talks show any promise the parties will be brought- together on Thursday.