THE CONQUEST OF ABYSSINIA

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22400, 13 May 1938, Page 11

THE CONQUEST OF ABYSSINIA

Lord Halifax Pleads For Recognition BRITAIN’S VIEW STATED “Vain Lamentations Over Past”

(UNITED I’iUtSS ASSOCIAT lON - - rUI'YKKI HT.) (Received May 13, 2 a.m.) GENEVA, May 12. There was dead silence as the President of the League Council (Mr Munters, Finland) announced: “Haile Selassie has expressed a wish to participate in the discussion. It has always been J* 1 ® desire of the Council that Ethiopia should participate, irrespective of the question of principle. Therefore, I invite the Emperor to sit at the Council table.” The big bronze doors were flung /pen, and Haile Selassie, accompanied by two Abyssinian delegates, gravely entered. As he took his seat, Lord Halifax rose and rejected the contention that Italy does not control Abyssinia. He expressed the opinion that members of the League must decide for themselves whe tL, er to recognise the Italian conquest. Italy could only be driven out of Abyssinia by means of war. Britain’s information was that Italy controlled virtually all the former territory of Abyssinia. Resistance was continuing in certain parts, but there was no organised native authority, and no central native administration with the slightest possible chance of reconquering the country. The Italian position cpuld only be altered by concerted military action, which was unthinkable, and would not be suggested by any responsible person of any country. “I realise," he added, “that many in Britain and, perhaps, elsewhere, feel that any action to facilitate recognition of the Italian conquest infringes a principle. I respect, but do not share, their view.

“Two Conflicting Ideals” “The British Government, however, does not suggest that the Coun ” or any member of the League should condone the action by which Italy acquired her present position in Abyssinia, It does not propose that the League modify the resolutions and decisions which if took at an earlier stage in the dispute. We declared our judgment on this issue in plain terms and wc cannot go back rn it. “Those who are seeking to establish a better world on the basis of the League principles are rightly reluctant to countenance action, by which the principles of the covenant are infringed. Indeed, the Assembly of 1932 bound itself not to recognise any situation, treaty, or agreement effected by means contrary to the Covenant. But when two ideals conflict—one of devotion unflinching but unpractical, the other of practical victories for peace—l do not doubt that the strongest claim is that of peace. “Britain’s considered opinion is that unless we are prepared forever to live in an unreal world, the facts of the Italian conquest of Abyssinia, whatever our judgment thereon, have to be acknowledged. Britain does not approve the Italian methods in Abyssinia, but no purpose is served by vain lamentations over the past.” Lord Halifax concluded by weighing all the political and moral considerations. “I do not believe it is right to exclude prevent've steps to secure the measure of world peace within our power because it is not feasible to secure full international acceptance of the high ideals of the League,” he said. “Britain does not seek a decision on a question of principle. She does not suggest that the Council impose a particular course of action on any member of the League. On the contrary, the situation is such that members of the League may without disloyalty take such action at such time as seems to each appropriate.”

Haile Selassie’s Speech The Emperor made no sign during Lord Halifax’s speech, but sal motionless with his eyes closed. He rose slowly and said: “Although 1 am recovering from an illness, I decided to appear personally before the Council to defend my people’s cause.” He then asked permission for his representative, Taezas, to read his speech, which declared that though victims of aggression had put their confidence in the League they had had the misfortune of seeing nations refuse to honour their commitments to treaties of nonj aggression. The League Covenant had been torn up by powerful nations who simultaneously proclaimed their attachment to the Covenant. Haile Selassie rejected Lord Halifax’s contention that recognition of the conquest would help appeasement. He said the League haid to choose between maintenance of peace , by law and peace at any price. Britain was asking the Council to tear up instruments * designed to protect •mall States. .The speech cited different provinces where the Italians were not in control, and dramatically denied ’ of the Council to decide • the question, and demanded a meeting of the Assembly. Replying directly to Lord Halifax, •he Emperor’s speech declared that « was completely contrary to the Covenant to sacrifice one people to •Mure the tranquillity of others. M lt appears that the nations are violating their commitments v With the object of currying fav*ur with Italy who. In spite of . enormous expenditure, is un- . able to exploit Abyssinia. AbysV ainia would accept any just ' *>»tlement proposed by the ; 'League, but if her appeal is un- . answered, implacable guerrilla warfare will continue against "p ibdy until either the Italians evacuate or the Abyssinian v people are externvnated.” iz}n contrast to the usual listlessmembers of the Council list-

ened to the Abyssinians with the closest attention and watched the Emperor intently. A delegate from an east European country was heard to say: “I don’t know whether to laugh, cry or be sick. I think lam going to be sick.” M. Georges Bonnet supported the British initiative because France was convinced that all possible had been done. He agreed that in order to re-establish confidence m Europe it was necessary to face the f sets. M. Litvinov said: “Britain has the right to settle the Abyssinian affair for herself, but the League, as a collective body, has not withdrawn its condemnation of the aggressor. Nothing would so weaken international law as to recognise this conquest. There is no reason for the League’s existence if it neglects its own principles.” The Council adjourned. The Emperor walked out slowly, bowing imperceptibly to the left and right. Others stood aside to give him free exit.