HAND SHAKE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 227, 25 September 1935, Page 7

HAND SHAKE.

FRIENDLY GESTURE.

Italian Diplomat and Emperor

Of Abyssinia.

MODEL PRISON OPENED,

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

(Received 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, September 24,

"The Times" correspondent in a copyright message from Addis Ababa states that as an indication of his attachment to civilised principles, the Emperor with due ceremony opened a new model prison in the presence of the Diplomatic Corps, including Count Vinci, the Italian Minister, whose attendance, accompanied by a greater -number of Legation officials than the other representatives, was most notable. Moreover, Count Vinci shook hands with the Emperor in a most affable manner.

Tho prison building accommodates 350 prisoners, the first of whom will enter to-morrow. The cells are hygienic and airy. Tho prisoners' pyjamas aro laid out on beds. Reading rooms aro provided, and there is a workshop to enable criminals to learn trades.

The Emperor, returning to tho Palace, was greeted by thousands of gailydressed Mohammedans from Harrar and Ogaden, and also by a .number of Yemenis, with whom Abyssinia is ratifying a peace treaty. The demonstrators cheered His Majesty and presented arms —mostly sticks and bludgeons.

The State Council is giving attention to the Conciliation Committee's proposals, especially tho clause relating to the Italian commercial rights to which Abyssinia will never grant exclusivcncss.

ON PARTY LINES. Australian Political Opinion On Crisis. MR. LYONS' STATEMENT. SYDNEY, September 24. Tho Canberra correspondent of the "Sun" says a very keen discussion took placo to-day in Parliamentary circles on tho exact implication to be drawn from tho statement made yesterday by the Prime Minister, Mr. J. A. Lyons, on the Italo-Abyssinian situation.

Tho question most asked now is whether Mr. Lyons' instructions to the High Commissioner, Mr. S. M. Bruce, commit Australia to active co-operation with Britain in upholding League principles in tho event of Italy being adjudged an aggressor nation. The general opinion among members of Parliament is that they do.

Tho next question, as to the extent of tho measures the Federal Government ought to take in order to give co-opera-tion, is causing much controversy. The correspondent says it is quite evident that when Mr. Lyons permits a debate on tho subject the Labour Opposition will force tho issue to a vote.

Tho Government has no intention of complying with Labour's demand for tho recall of tho cruiscr Australia from tho Mediterranean. ACT OF AGGRESSION. ATTITUDE OF BRITAIN. (British Official Wireless.) (Received 12.30 p.m.) RUGBY, September 24. About two weeks ago the French Government instructed the French Ambassador in London to make inquiry regarding tho attitude of Britain in the event of an ' act of aggression in Europe in relation to collective security.

Tho British reply will be handed to the French Ambassador in the coursc of the next few days. After it has been received by the French Government it will be published.

PEACE NEGOTIATIONS. "NEW START" MAY BE MADE. LONDON, September 24. Tho "Manchester Guardian" Paris correspondent states that both the Press and tho public in Franco anticipate a "new start," but it is doubted whether the League Council will go much beyond tho offer already made to Italy, especially in regard to the demand for tho disarmament of Abyssinia. It is suggested, however, that this might be carried out under international League control simultaneously with Italy's demobilisation. Admittedly Britain is most unlikely to engage in military sanctions singlehanded, and even regarding economic sanctions France is still divided. However, it is declared that Signor Mussolini knows that in a moment of real danger France inevitably would cling to Britain. Also significant is the fact that even M. Laval has not felt it possible to assure Signor Mussolini that 1' ranee will in no circumstances resort to military sanctions against Italy. .

SPIRIT OF DEJECTION. WAR A CALAMITY TO ITALY. MELBOURNE, September 24. Captain G. Thorpe, commander of the Orient liner Ormonde, which arrived at Melbourne from London to-day, said a spirit of dejection was very noticeable among the people at Naples, and Italian business men saw a calamity for Italy in the prospect of war. They expressed regret that Signor Mussolini had gone so far. Others said tliev did not believe he would go through with his programme.

READY TO FIGHT. 1,083,000 ABYSSINIANS. LONDON, September 24. The Addis Ababa correspondent of "The Times" reports that 1,083,000 Abvssinians are available to begin fighting. Their food is already assured. They arc growing their hair long as protection from the sun during the expected campaign.