ITALO-ABYSSINIAN DIME SEQUEL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 158, 6 July 1935, Page 9

ITALO-ABYSSINIAN DIME SEQUEL.

DELICATE SITUATION Italy and France Oppose( To Britain? A LEAGUE PARADOX. (British Official Wireless.) (Received 12.30 p.m.) RUGBY, July 5. The close questioning which Minis tcrs in the House of Commons under went yesterday in regard to tin tentative oiler to cede a strip o: British Somaliland in order to obtaii a peaceful settlement of the Italo Abyssinian dispute, was an indicatior of tho public interest taken in thai issue and the concern which is always shown when any mention is made oi the transference of British territory "Tlio Times" states that when it is considered how far the ramifications oJ the dispute extend and its possible consequences, affecting not only tho peaco ol the world but the whole future of the League of Nations, tho contribution towards a peaceful solution that Britain was prepared to make was not unduly high. Tho offer, says the paper, haying been rejected is now a matter of past history, but the British Government is still straining every nerve to find a peaceful solution which can bo reconciled with the principles of the Covenant. Incidentally "The Times" describes as strange, tho paradox of diplomacy that authoritative sources in Italy should now bo advocating the expulsion of Abyssinia from the League as unworthy to be a member, while the British Government, having accepted her membership under Franco-Italian pressure, should find itself as champion of League principles on her behalf. Feeling Against Britain. Tho Paris correspondent of "The Times" says Britain's efforts to secure tho support of France for tho defence of the Covenant of the League of Nations against tho menace of war being waged by one member of the League against another are not likely to meet with encouragement. The Prime Minister, M. Laval, recently concluded an agreement with Italy which enables the French and Italian General Staffs to decide upon a diminution of tlio garrisons on the Franco-Italian frontier. It is not clear whether this justifies Italy in counting upon a free hand in Abyssinia. The "Daily Telegraph'' diplomatic correspondent reveals the fact that. Franco declared, in the protocol to the treaty with Italy regarding North I Africa in January, lier absence of interest in Abyssinia outside the railway zone. Signor Mussolini has inferred from this that France gives him a free hand for an unlimited extension of Italian influence in Abyssinia. "L'Oeuvre" says M. Laval is supporting Italy and will not allow Britain, for the purpose of masking her real intentions, to inveigle France into applying the rigours of tho League of Nations .against Italy when they should be applied against Germany.

ITALIANS IN N.Z. \ I

NO VOLUNTEERS FOR WAR. i (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON", Friday. A rumour that has had considerable currency in Wellington, that Italians in New Zealand had signified their willingness to serve Italy in the event of war breaking out in East Africa, was denied by tho Italian Consul to-day. Italian subjects who desired to leave the Dominion, he said, liad to secure passports, and ho liad not had any recent requests for passports from Italians in New Zealand. Eighty or 90 Italians in the Dominion had served in tho Great War. Many wero well past military age, and the Consul said he did not think younger men would be liable for service. They were mostly young men who liad spent practically all their lives in the Dominion, and as they had not served in the Italian Army they would riot be an the reserve.