BRITAIN INNOCENT OF COMPLICITY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 208, 3 September 1935, Page 7

BRITAIN INNOCENT OF COMPLICITY.

OIL CONCESSION.

Abyssinian Contract With American Syndicate.

OFFICIAL DECLARATIONS

(United I'.A.-Blectric Telegraph—Copyright)

(Received 11.30 a.m.)

PARIS, September 2.

Tho British delegation en route to Geneva looked glum when it called at. the Qnai d'Orsay. However, it is understood that Mr. Anthony Eden satisfied M. Laval that Britain was innocent of complicity in the concession move. Official circles do not expect the affair to affect the main Italo-Abyssinian issues. Sir Sidney Barton, British Minister at Addis Ababa, on his own responsibility refrained from conveying to the Emperor Britain's advice to withhold the oil concession in view of the American character of the company. Later he was instructed to suggest that the concession should be held in suspense. Mr. Colson, the American financial adviser to the Emperor, who witnessed the convention, states that British capital is definitely not invested in the concessionary company which it is believed has guaranteed an advance payment of at least £200,000, which is being spent on armaments. A dispatch from Sir Percival Phillips in the "Daily Telegraph" says that the foreign legations at Addis Ababa were stunned by the news of the concession granted by the Abyssinian Government to the African Exploitation and Development Company, details of which were received from Europe, so great was the secrecy with, which, the negotiations were conducted. Deathblow to 1906 Treaty. Foreign experts consider the concession a deathblow to the 1906 treaty, against which Abyssinia has always protested, and stress the fact that Mr. F. W. Rickett, who negotiated the concession, acted on behalf of an American Company, and consequently it does not involve Britain. Those close to the Emperor, Haile Silassie, declare that he made his shrewd move after careful consideration, and is prepared to stand firm, whatever may be the pressure from abroad. Sir Percival Phillips cables the full text of the convention, which consists of 33 articles. In addition to the points previously cabled, the convention provides that the company shall train and employ Abyssinians as far as possible. The majority of the directors shall be American or Abyssinian. Disputes shall be referred to arbitrators, of whom the president of the International Court of Justice at The Hague may be asked to appoint one. Mb British Participation. The company is exempt from taxation. It possesses full police power in the conceded area, and can build railtoads and bridges, instal telephones, and construct wharves, which will be available to the Government on payment of suitable- fees. Sir Sidney Barton has informed Whitehall that Mr. Rickett's contract is purely between the Abyssinian Government and an American corporation. There is no mention of British participation. In spite qf this report* from Sir Sidney, the Government is making rigorous inquiry as to whether British capital is directly or indirectly associated In the venture. Investigations of Mr. Rickett's movemeats help to explain the secrecy which enshrouded the concession. He went to Addis Ababa ostensibly to arrange the presentation of a Red Cross aeroplane to Abyssinia from Egyptian Copts. He carried a ; letter of introduction from the Coptic Patriarch. Win Emperor Reject British Advice? In a copyright message "The Times" correspondent at Addis Ababa says it Sβ considered certain that the Emperor will reject Britain's advice to withhold the concession. It is pointed out that the late King Menelik never countenanced the 1006 treaty as it was felt to be not binding on Abyssinia. The present concession shows the Emperor s firm belief in the nation's ability to defend itself.

"The Times" says the British Foreign Office statement advising the Emperor to withhold the concession pending consultation between the British, French and Italian Governments under the 1906 treaty, leaves no excuse for suspicion of British good faith. It would be entirely counter to the 1906 treaty and tho Anglo-Italiau exchange of Notes in 1925 for Britain to accord the slightest support to tho concession. Though tho Emperor is not bound by these instruments, Britain's advice is Worth consideration. "In any event," says "The Times," "the Foreign Office has , placed the concession unmistakably in its true perspective as a venture of private enterprise. Mr. Eden will continue his cool-headed and energetic efforts for peace, wisely indifferent to the miserable stream of anti-British calumny from the State-controlled Press of Rome.

BRITAIN DISBELIEVED.

ITALIAN PRESS COMMENT.

(Received 1 p.m.)

LONDON, September 2,

"The Times" Rome correspondent says Italv is dissatisfied with the British disclaimers regarding the oil concession. Signer Gayda, editor of the "Giornale d'ltalia," declares that the formula of "know nothing" has often covered daring designs. Britain has not clearly stated that the *ffair does not jfoUow the line of British policy, and therefore will not enjoy the Governments protection either to-day or to-morrow.

Mr Kiekett's manoeuvres are strikingly similar to British penetration in Abyssinia. WJJcjer the truth the affair demonstrates the of the Emperor who has again violated his engagements to Italy.