LEAVING ADDIS ABABA

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 12028, 21 May 1936, Page 3

LEAVING ADDIS ABABA

FOREIGNERS’ STORY TWO DAYS’ NOTICE TO QUIT. BRITISH LEGATION MAY BE ENTERED. London, May 19. A Times correspondent, Mr George Steer, telegraphing from Jihouti, French Somaliand, graphically describes the circumstances of the expulsion of foreigners from Addis Ababa. The writer states that, in spite of Marshal Badoglio’s assurances to Sir Sidney Barton, British Minister, that diplomatic privileges would be respected, a train load of expelled foreigners who had received two days’ notice to quit arrived at Jibouti. The party included Major Moschopoulos, Haili Selassie’s director of counter-espionage, the correspondents of the Havas News Agency, and Monsieur and Madame de Robillard, the sexagenarian conductors of the recently suppressed newspaper Ethiopia. M. de Robillard who was suffering from heart trouble, had been forced to abandon 1,000,000 francs, the accumulation of a quarter of a century’s savings.

Mr Steer, wiio accompanied those who were expelled, was the guest of Sir Sidney Barton on May 13, when he noticed two Askaris lurking near the gates of the Legation. An official ascertained that they wanted to take him for examination. Sir Sidney told the correspondent to stay where he was, and sought an explanation from Mario, son of Marshal Badoglio, who professed utter ignorance, but sent an order next day telling Mr Steer and his newly-married wife to depart by train. Mr Steer’s companions on the train journey were hailed before a major of the military police and exhaustively examined before being expelled. The majority refused to answer questions. Mr Steer was accused of being the chief intelligence officer for Haili Selassie, a seller of armaments, a dynamiter of roads and a carrier of, gas. He left Addis Ababa on May 16 with a small box containing such personal possessions as the looters had overlooked.

Mario Badoglio’s permit allowing him to take 400 Marla Theresa dollars was annulled at Diredawa en route to Jibouti, the authorities forcing Mr Steer to exchange the coins for valueless notes.

Two grooms from the British Legation joined the Sikhs in refusing to give the Facist salute to the Italians.

It is expected that the Italians will demand the removal of the Sikh guard and that thereupon they will enter the British Legation as already they have entered other Legations.

Delegates to the Bay of Plenty Centre—Messrs A. W. Every and J. Law.

Executive Committee —Messrs G. H. Bell and J. Bayliss (bowling section), and Messrs T. Bloor and P. Johnston (tennis section). Bowling Committee—Messrs A. E. Newsham, A. B. McKerrow, F. Deverall, A. J. Mearns, H. Whitworth, E. Cox and A. Leslie.

It was agreed that the Tennis Committee be elected later in the year by the tenuis section.

Mr Every paid a tribute to the excellent manner in which Mr Boyd had carried out the duties of President, and his references met with the very hearty applause of all present. General Business. A suggestion was made that a winter green be established, and after discussion it was decided that the project be deferred indefinitely. Mr Clemson moved— That an Honours Board, bearing the names of the champion singles, be provided by the Club.—Seconded by Mr Deverall and carried. Mr Newsham made a suggestion that photographs of past Presidents of the Club be placed in the Clubroom.—The proposal was agreed to. The question of altering the play for the Clemson Shield was discussed and referred to the Bowling Committee for consideration and action. It was decided that the singles challenges be played on Wednesdays and Saturdays for separate badges. Mr Every said he would donate an extra badge. It was agreed that all competitions be played in two sections on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It was resolved that the inclusion of substitutes in any team be left to the Mp,tch Committee.

The President moved—That Mr T. Bunting be elected a life member in recognition of his help to the Club.— Seconded by Mr Mearns and carried.

Mr Deverall moved —That definite dates be fixed for the matches for the Bunting Friendly Bowl, and that the Match Committee submit dates for approval to the Tauranga Bowling Club. —Seconded by Mr Cox and carried. Mr Watson moved— That this meeting accord a hearty vote of thanks to Mr yowless for help given as grounds supervisor. The motion was carried by acclamation and suitably acknowledged by Mr Vowless.

The President paid a tribute to the splendid services rendered by Mr J. Law as Secretary and on behalf of members presented him with a valuable pipe, suitably inscribed. The gift was handed to Mr Law amidst applause. Mr Law, in returning thanks, said it was always a pleasure to work for the Club. The President theu made a presentation to Mr Vowless, who acknowledged the gift in appropriate terms. The meeting closed with the usual compliment to the Chairman.