SANCTIONS BECOME A VITAL ISSUE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 236, 5 October 1935, Page 9

SANCTIONS BECOME A VITAL ISSUE.

I FRANCE WAVERING? I ..I II ■' I .»■— i Italy Counting on Support i In Europe. — i GERMANY AND U.S. MUST UNITE United Press Association. —Copyright. (Received 11 a.m.) 1 LONDON, October 4. Italy's attack has dramatically made sanctions a live and immediate , issue. The “Manchester Guardian” Paris correspondent declares that M. Laval is still a half-hearted supporter of Britain. M. Herriot and M. Flandin arc doing their utmost to convince him that unless he declares for the firmest Franco-British co-operation, France will make the biggest blunder 1 since the war. I The clamour against the enforcement of sanctions is growing, states a Paris message. Deputies of the Left sent a , letter to M. Laval declaring that they were opposed to even economic sanctions. Italian officials at Rome believe that in the event of the application of sanctions they can count on the support of Germany, Poland, Austria and Hungary. Signor Mussolini received the German Ambassador and the conversations are described as most satisfactory. The British United Press correspondent at Geneva says that League officials who are investigating economic sanctions fear they arc certain to fail unless Germany and the United States 1 co-operate. Italy imported more than £18,000,000 worth of goods from each of these countries in 1933-34, including cotton, oil, scrap iron and metals, from the United States. While it is hoped that America will co-operate with the League, Germany, with her undisguised contempt for the Covenant, may be prepared io trade with Italy in return for political concessions.

A hopeful sign comes from Tokyo, where the Foreign Office spokesman declared that Japan would adhere to international law, indicating that this might mean the acceptance of sanctions.

ITALY AND SANCTIONS. Not Expected to Cause Spread Of Conflict. SUBJECTION IN TWO YEARS. ROME, October 4* Rome is ealm. The reception of news of the opening of hostilities is coupled with the expectation of crushing Italian victories within four months. The general view, however, is that Abyssinia's subjection will take two years. The summoning of the League Council is much discussed. Although Signor Mussolini will not consider economic sanctions a cause of war probably they will result in Italy withdrawing' from the League. „ Italian forces in East Africa are estimated at 250,000, of whom 60,000 are natives. FRANCE UNITED? PREMIER ON GENEVA TASK. (Received 1 p.m.) PARES. October 4. A communique announces that Cabinet’s support of M. Laval was unanimous. He was accorded entire confidence for conducting negotiation’s. Before going to Geneva. M. Laval summoned newspapermen,' through whom he addressed bis countrymen, saying: “I shall assilme weighty responsibility with a clear vision of France’s interests and conform to the cause of peace.

“I have the right, in the circumstances. to appeal for the cessation of internal partisanship. The country, like the Government, must exhibit sang froid.

“I do not represent a political party but France, and in Geneva my«authority will be greater by the extent of the unitv in the country.'’

Despite the official statement as to unanimity, the “Manchester Guardian Paris correspondent says n large number of Ministers opposed M. Laval s attitude toward sanctions, urging stronger support of Britain.

SEETHING RUMOURS. Reported 400 Fatal Italian Casualties. ANXIETY OF THE PEOPLE. (Received 2.30 p.ni.) LONDON. October 4. The “News-Chronicle” Rome cones pondent says the capital is seething with rumours of 400 fatal Italian casualties. Rich and poor are fearful of the future and are turning cash into gold, diamonds and real estate.

The only hope expressed is that after the capture of Adowa and Harrar, 'Mussolini twill order a halt and dictate terms.

The “Daily Telegraph” Rome correspondent says that Mussolini is in constant telephonic communication with General de Bono, whom he appointed eominander-in-chief of the expeditionary land, sea and air forces.