NOTABLE DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 261, 4 November 1935, Page 7

NOTABLE DAY.

HISTORY OF THE LEAGUE. FIFTY NATIONS TO BOYCOTT ITALY. GREAT VICTORY FOR COMMON EFFORT. United. Press Association. —Copyright. —Pec. 10.30 a.m. LONDON, November 3. Sir Samuel Hoare, broadcasting from Geneva, said that to-day was very important in the history of the League. It was unpleasant to break off economic relations with an old friend and it was also most difficult to cut the complicated strands of international trade. Accordingly many doubted whether collective support was possible, but to-day satisfactorily answered these doubts. Fifty out of 56 countries promised their support subject to minor adjustments. "This is a great achievement, and is not due to FrancoBritish pressure, but to common effort. Moreover, the League has blessed the Franco-British efforts toward peace, and everyone has aimed at a settlement honourable for the three parties in the controversy, namely, the League, Italy and Abyssinia. It was in that spirit that I helpfully conversed with M. Laval, Baron Aloisi and other prominent statesmen. Whether and when the League's efforts will succeed I cannot say. The task of reconciliation is extraordinarily difficult, but this day's work has encouraged us to redouble our efforts."

The "Daily Telegraph" Geneva correspondent says it is announced that the early a morning of November 14 or November 15 has been definitely fixed for the full imposition of economic sanctions against Italy, whether or not countries have balances outstanding in their favour. The "Daily Telegraph" Geneva correspondent says it is understood Japan will not participate in sanctions. Her sympathies lie with Abyssinia, and she has no special love for Italy, but it is stated that Japan feels a League victory in the present issue would be interpreted as a defeat for the principle of colonial expansion. The "Daily Mail" Geneva correspondent says a joint statement by Britain and France is expected to be issued to-night covering the two countries' attitude towards the present situation, especially regarding the Mediterranean. It will, it is stated, also make clear their unanimity concerning the necessity for the application of sanctions now, also for prompt conciliation negotiations aiming at ultimate peace.

The correspondent adds that it has always been known that the application of sanctions had risks.