FIRST REACTIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 216, 12 September 1935, Page 7

FIRST REACTIONS.

COMPLEX RESULTS.

France No Longer Can Face

Both Ways.

VITAL TEST FOR LEAGUE

(United F.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

(Received 12.30 p.m.)

LONDON, September 11

The most eagerly awaited sequel to Sir Samuel Hoare's speech in London as in Rome is the reaction of France, which may not be made clear until M. Laval addresses the League on Friday instead of on Thursday, as was originally intended.

"The Times" praises the speech, and says it has made a deep impression, but at least one section of opinion is surprised at the note of resolution blasting away the hope nursed by France that Sir Samuel Hoare would be content with vague lip service of League ideals.

Frenchmen realise that the responsibility of avoiding a crisis rests with Signor Mussolini, but France must now make her decision, from which she frankly shrinks.

It is understood the British Foreign Secretary showed his speech to M. Laval beforo its delivery, and the postponement of M. Laval's address indicates a desire to consult his Ministers before committing France to a definite course. His colleagues are likely to urge a more cautious ton V Italian Reception of Speech. "The Times" Rome correspondent says the significance of the Italian reception of the speech is uneasiness as to whether M. Laval will be able to resist what is termed pressure from Britain.

Signor Gayda, in the "Giornale d'ltalia," recognises M. Laval's difficulty and hopes he will maintain loyalty to the Franco-Italian friendship. He declares that Britain puts as a condition for the support of France and the Continent, even for British adherence to Locarno, the conversion of France to a policy of sanctions. They left France to choose either common action against Italy or the isolation of Britain from European affairs.

Baron Aloisi will not reply to Sir Samuel Hoare. The official spokesman explains that Baron Aloisi was sent to Geneva with the sole task of submitting , the Italian memorandum, and his mission lias ended as far as Abyssinia was concerned. It remains now for the League simply to supply information and exchange views in an absolutely unofficial manner.

Well-informed circles in Rome do not expect Signor Mussolini to deviate a hair's-breadth from his course in consequence of Sir Samuel Hoare's speech. Meanwhile military preparations and troop departures have intensified. "The Times" states that Sir Samuel Hoare, soberly appealed for the enlightened sel-interest on which civilisation depends. What war means is plain from the records of 1014, and the world still lias freedom to choose.

The "News-Chronicle" adds that the Foreign Secretary could not have hinted more" plainly to France that if the Covenant is upheld France can look for the fullest assistance from Britain under the Covenant in the event of her security being menaced. On the contrary if the League collapses Britain will be freed from all international obligations and will have to reconsider, as an island, her attitude to Europe.

The "Daily Herald" says there are strong fears in the city that a steep rise of the Italian bank rate is imminent in consequence of the daily worsening of Italy's financial position.

Italians Painfully Impressed. The Italians were painfully impressed by Sir Samuel Hoare's speech. They ask- "Why has Britain taken such a strong and unjust line against an old friend while so weak a one against Japan and Germany?" . A French commentator said it was one of the finest efforts heard at Geneva "It takes us back to Curzon's £ys. Britain has resumed undisputed leadership in foreign affairs " he stated. The Italians remained in the Chamber while Dr. Hawariat briefly announced that Abyssinia was willing to discuss any proposals not inspired by personal fnterest. Her integrity was threatened despite every proposal she had freely "lie"suggested that the League send a commission of inquiry to Abyssinia. The Emperor would consider any reasonable suggestion for conciliation.

GREEK PROTESTS.

ITALIAN SHIPS IN HARBOURS

ATHENS, September 11. Tbp Greek Government has protested to regarding the --thonsec entrance to Greek ports of Italian cruisers and two destroyers.