THE ABYSSINIAN DISPUTE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21512, 29 June 1935, Page 15

THE ABYSSINIAN DISPUTE

Mussolini Rejects All Proposals DEADLOCK NOW COMPLETE ITALY'S ATTITUDE TO THE LEAGUE (UWITED rurcny ASSOCIATION —11 y ELECTRIC TKLCCrttIPH —COPYRIGHT.) (Received June 28, 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 28. Grave news concerning the Abyssinian situation is published in the "Daily Telegraph." The paper's diplomatic correspondent says that Mr Eden's visit to Rome left an outstanding impression that Signor Mussolini is at present unwilling to contemp.ate any solution likely to be atta.ned by means other than military conquest. It is his firm intention to leave the league should that body attempt to bar his path. England proposed that Italy's aspirations regarding colonial territory could be met in the Ogaden area with some front.er adjustment in the north. Signor Mussolini's desire for direct communication between the two existing colonies could also have been met. The Emperor was willing to sit in conference with France, Italy and Britain in order to settle favourable terms for Italy'; claims for greater facilities in exploiting the mineral resources of Ethiopia, but he was emphat.cally against the surrender of the political independence which Ethiopia had enjoyed for thousands of years. Britain, in order to secure this large concession to Ita y, would have been willing to compensate the Emperor by ced.ng a portion of British Somaliland to form an Abyssinian corridor towards the sea. Signor Mussolini would not consider these proposals, even as a basis for negotiation. It was gathered that h.s minimum would imply greater territorial gain,, and a military protectorate throughout the country to ensure good behaviour. The whole of this programme must be secured in a single operatio' Nothing less wou d be of practical value. To this attitude Britain could offer no response. The thing was not in the gift of Britain. The deadlock is complete.