ITALY AND ABYSSINIA

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21534, 25 July 1935, Page 20

ITALY AND ABYSSINIA

TO THS BDITOJ O? THE PREBB Sir,—Tlii3 small controversy has at least made it clear that the question of Italy and Abyssinia is not an isolated one that can be settled by the disposal of an area of land here or there, but that it concerns the whole world. It is indeed the problem of imperialism itself. I was concerned with showing that imperialism consists in tne setting aside of t.he rights o£ other peoples, and that it matters litile whether this imperialism is labelled British, French, German, or Italian.

My contention that Britain and France could not be regarded as disinterested mediators in this dispute because they had already secretly agreed to give Italy a free hand in Abyssinia has not been seriously challenged. The Rev. J. W. Hayward's last word was "I believe that Britain will keep her pledged'word of 1803 with regard to the rights of Abyssinia and also her pledged word to Italy to recognise under certain specified conditions her right to expansion in Africa." As has already been pointed out, Britain in 1906 guaranteed the territorial integrity of Abyssinia. So Britain is going to preserve the integrity of Abyssinia while at the same time recognising under certain specified conditions (which I maintain were fulfilled when the former German colonies were taken over in >the form of mandates) Italy's right to expansion in Africa. This is a pretty problem for Britain. I think she will find it difficult to preserve and allow to be taken at the same time. However. perhaps Mr Hayward means thot Britain will help Italy to flna other suitable colonial territories in Africa. This does not seem possible, because Abyssinia is a fertile oasis in the midst of arid regions. This fertile oasis is apparently wanted by Italy to ensure supplies of certain raw materials. perhaps cotton, as one correspondent suggested. But even if Britain does help Italy to find other suitable colonial areas, it will not alter the problem set out above. It will still mean the disposal of native territories by foreign powers with superior armed forces. I presume that Mr Hayward demands the right to govern himself, but apparently he is not willing to grant that right to others.

The npar future should show ns what action the powers concerned mean to take, but whatever the immediate result mt.y be, it is obvioun that a final settlement will te reached only on a two-fold basis of justice which will secure the rights of the inhabitants 01 the area and at the sfme time make available t:? the Vr'hole world the products of this and similar areas.—Yours, etc., L. A. EFFORD. July 23, 1935. [This correspondence is now closed.— Ed., "The Press."]