EVERY EFFORT FOR PEACE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21647, 4 December 1935, Page 11

EVERY EFFORT FOR PEACE

0 BRITISH DECISION OIL SANCTIONS ONLY IF OVERTURES FAIL M. LAVAL URGENTLY SEEKING SETTLEMENT (UNITED I'HISS ASSOCIATION —COPTEIGST.) (Received December 4, 12.10 a.m.) LONDON, December 3. The parliamentary correspondent of "The Times" says that the Cabinet has decided that Britain is prepared to extend sanctions if other nations.act similarly, Ministers are still hopeful of a settlement. The "Daily Telegraph" contradicts a report that the Cabinet is divided, and adds that the Ministers also i discussed the possibility of peace mOVeS - _ . ft The Paris correspondent of the "Daily Mail" says that during Sir Samuel Hoare's visit, M. Laval again emphasised the French arguments for straining every nerve for peace before the oil embargo did irreparable damage. He said that European peace was worth some sacrifice, while idealism involving the possibility of war would be a fatal error for both nations and the lea Su - j . , ~ The Pans correspondent of the "News-Chronicle" says there is a i possibility of a third postponement of the league meeting. M. Laval is desperately striving to induce Signor Mussolini to formulate peace, proposals before December 12. The Sun-Herald news service says j that though there is not the slightest weakening of the British attitude j to oil sanctions in conformity with league obligations, if they can be avoided, Britain will avoid them. A ! further attempt to initiate peace overtures will be made before the Committee of Eighteen meets. j

FIGHT AGAINST SANCTIONS

; GOVERNMENT'S FEARS OF UNEMPLOYMENT KING CONTRIBUTES TO GOLD FUND (Received December 4, 12.5 a.m.) LONDON, December 3. The Rome correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" says the directors of the Bank of Italy have placed £15,000 at Signor Mussolini's disposal to fight sanctions, and spend, on winter relief. The. Government's fears of increased unemployment when imported raw materials are consumed and sanctions have killed foreign trade are reflected in instructions issued to employers for the general extension of th,e 40 hour week, with proportionate payouts. Companies must employ as many people as possible, if only for two or three days a week, to enable the work to go round. The unemployed in large cities are ordered to return to their native villages and till the soil. King Victor Emmanuel contributed to the "plebiscite of gold," which js spreading throughout Italy in aid of the anti-sanctionist campaign, sending a substantial offering of gold and silver plate. Women widowed in the great war, and mothers who lost sons, are urging married women to surrender their wedding rings, for which they are arranging ceremonies on December 18 at every war memorial in Italy.

ABYSSINIANS MARCH TO ATTACK REPORT OF DESERTIONS FROM ITALY LONDON, December 2. The indications are that..Marshal Badoglio will not be long permitted to carry out the reorganisation of the northern Italian front undisturbed, as it is reported that a constant stream of Abyssinians is advancing from Dessie to attack his armies.

Sir Percival Phillips, writing from Djibouti, says that the desertions of Somali troops are causing concern to the Italian high command. Two detachments which were holding advanced posts last week fled panicst.icken, believing that large forces were behind the small Abyssinian raiding parties. The Somalis are also reported to be deserting to the Abyssinians owing to their unwillingness to endure further the hardships of a desert campaign. General Graziani has been forced to alter the composition of. his forces extensively, and is using Europeans instead of Moslems, who are observing the Fast of Ramadan, when they fast all day. Accordingly, they are unable to fulfil their usual duties.

AIR RAID EXPECTED IN JIGJIGA HARAR TO BE USED ONLY AS HOSPITAL BASE , LONDON, December 2. The "Manchester Guardian" says that a mass air attack on Jigjiga is daily expected. The Italians, without result, showered huge bombs 70 inches long and weighing 1001b on Dagabur. Many failed to explode. One Italian aeroplane dropped 23 bombs in- a fruitless effort to kill one Abyssinian soldier. The Abyssinian Foreign Minister has informed the league that, in order to spare the civilian population and foreigners from a possible air bombardment, the Emperor has decided that all troops shall evacuate Harar, which will be used solely as a base for the wounded from Ogaden. v ~ -