REFUGE IN PALESTINE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 172, 4 May 1936, Page 5

REFUGE IN PALESTINE.

HAS NOT ABDICATED.

ABYSSINIAN ARMY BROKEN.

LOOTING IN ADDIS ABABA. (United Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, May 2. The Paris correspondent of the British United Press says: The Government is officially informed that Haile Selassie will arrive at Djibouti on Sunday, on board a British ship, en route to Palestine, where he will be out of reach of the Italians and also near Abyssinia, if his presence is needed. He will reside in France, if forced into exile. It is emphasised that the Emperor has not abdicated, but a Minister has been empowered to negotiate in his absence.

In view of the Emperor’s earlier announcement that he would resist the Italians approaching Addis Ababa, there was some scepticism at the early morning reports that he had left the capital en route to Djibouti, but a message received in official quarters in London from Sir Sydney Barton (British Envoy Extraordinary to Ethiopia) confirms the report that Haile Selassie and members of the Royal family left early this morning by train for Djibouti. The flight of the Emperor led to disorder, shooting and looting of the capital.

The military guard of the barbedwire compound round the British Lega - tion has been strengthened. Food and water supplies have been taken in to accommodate 3000 people. It is understood that nationals, including Indians, Somalis and 30 whites are probably now under the protection of the compound, four miles from Addis Ababa.

The Emperor interviewed 'Sir Sidney Barton before the flight, which was not at Sir Sydney’s suggestion. He did not authorise Sir Sydney Barton to act as intermediary. Sir Sydney has not made any plans for leaving Addis Ababa. It is possible that the arriving Italians may ask the foreign legations including the British, to leave, or the British may decide to leave, as a new Italian Government in the city would be difficult for the British to recognise.

News of the Empeiror’s flight is regarded in London as the end of organised resistance. Whether having left, he is still the head of the State of Abyssinia, is an awkward question.