ITALY SULKS OVER ACTION BY BRITAIN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 46, 24 February 1937, Page 7

ITALY SULKS OVER ACTION BY BRITAIN.

THE CORONATION.

" Impudence" In Inviting Haile Silassie.

MAT BOTOOTT CEREMONIES

United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, February 23. The possibility of Italy refusing to send a representative to attend the Coronation has arisen as the result of the invitation to Abyssinia. This was sent in the form of a letter to Dr. Martin, Ethiopian Minister, asking whether Haile Silassie wished to be represented. If Haile Silassie accepts the invitation, Italy probably will refuse to be represented. The Abyssinian Legation confirms that the Coronation invitation was received by the Emperor, who will later designate a representative. A message from Rome says it is authoritatively stated that Italy will boycott the Coronation if Abyssinia attends. Commenting on the invitation the newspaper "Piccolo," attacks "the impudence of Britain putting a negro chief on the same level as a representative of the Italian King Emperor." Thirty-three maritime Powers, including Spain, have been invited to partici- j pate in the Coronation naval review on May 20. The predicament of visitors from the Dominions about seats for the Coronation ceremonies was discussed in the House of Commons yesterday. The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Lieutenant-Colonel D. J. Colville, stated that the total cost of the stands would be approximately £140,000, and the price of seats would be fixed at half the net cost. It is understood that the price has been fixed at 30/, half of which will be borne by the Government and half paid by the occupant. The allocation of the seats in these stands was under consideration, said Lieutenant-Colonel Colville. It was hoped to give representation to as many aspects of the national life as possible. King George granted an audience to Sir John Reitli, director of the 8.8.C. It is stated this was in connection with arrangements for broadcasting the Coronation ceremony. PROBABLE CHOICE. ABYSSINIAN WARRIOR LIKELY. (Received 2 p.m.) LONDON, February 23. The spokesman at the Abyssinian Legation told the "Daily Mail" that it is possible Ras Desta will be aalted to visit London if he can find time to leave his troops in Eastern Abyssinia. Otherwise there are other rases at present in exile who won honour in the war and would be worthy representatives of the Emperor. FOR ROYAL COURTS. DOMINION DEBUTANTES. (Received 2 p.m.) LONDON, February 23. The applications of . r >oo British debutantes for presentation at Coronation Courts have been refused owing to the King's wish that a larger quota than usual from the Dominions and colonies should be presented. Forty each from South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand will be presented at a second Court on May 5. HEAVY BOOKINGS. INWARD 'PLANES TAXED. British Official Wireless. RUGBY, February 23. Officials of Imperial Airways, Limited, state that all the available accommodation in aircraft to reach London from India, Africa and Australia in the weeks just preceding the Coronation was booked up some time ago.