NO SEPARATE ACTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 249, 21 October 1935, Page 6

NO SEPARATE ACTION.

Britain, says Mr. Baldwin, has not taken isolated action in the dispute between Italy and Abyssinia, and does not intend to do so. This unequivocal statement should not have been needed, but in fact it was badly needed, to correct the misunderstandings which have arisen among those who have failed to distinguish between Britain as a great naval Power and Britain as a member of the League of Nations. This misunderstanding seems to have, arisen primarily from the British naval concentration in the Mediterranean, which apparently created an impression in France that Britain had resolved upon separate action if it became necessary. Obviously it was to Italy's advantage to foster such a misunderstanding and to assert that the threat represented by the British fleet must be countered by a threat to Egypt. It is hoped now that the misunderstanding has been removed, and the naval force in the Mediterranean is to be a joint Anglo-French force. Meanwhile the League proceeds steadily to draw up a detailed plan for the co-operation of its members in applying economic sanctions against Italy, but there is little to show that Italy fears that this plan will succeed in its purpose. The events of the last few days have shown that the European nations, including Italy, dread the possibility of the conflict spreading, and are resolved to do all that lies in their power to avert such a catastrophe. Such a resolve may preclude any effectual enforcement of sanctions.