BRITAIN’S LIMIT

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 285, 29 August 1935, Page 9

BRITAIN’S LIMIT

Action In Abyssinian

Crisis

PROPOSAL AT GENEVA Isolated Steps Nowhere Contemplated REPLY TO MR. HUGHES By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, August 27. The views of Mr. W. M. Hughes, ex- ’ Prime Minister of Australia, concern- ! ing the Abyssinian situation, were given prominence in the London Press, but nowhere is isolated action on the part of Britain against Italy desired or contemplated. This has been emphasised in all the recent statements. The maximum action to which Britain is likely to be committed is taking the initiative at Geneva in proposing in certain conditions that nations shall refuse to supply raw materials and credits to Italy. Even this, it is hoped, may be avoided by a joint Anglo-French resolution. A Sydney cable published yesterday stated that Mr. Hughes had declared that the position was extremely serious and pregnant with incalculable consequences. "We are told that the British Government is determined to honour its obligations,” he said. “If this means that, in the event of the League Council deciding that Italy is in the wrong, Britain, singlehanded, will attempt to enforce an economic boycott on Italy or to restrain her by direct action, a situation will be created which may gravely imperil the existence of the British Empire. Intervention byarmed forces composed of quotas furnished by all the members of the League is one thing, and action by Britain alone is quite another. Britain is urged to intervene in this dispute between Italy and Abyssinia in order to maintain peace. No more certain way of loosing the dogs of war for another and still more terrible world conflict can be imagined.” ITALIAN PROPOSAL Expulsion of Abyssinia From League FRENCH PRESS REACTION (Received August 28, 10.5 p.m.) London, August 28. The Paris correspondent of “The Times” says that Signor Cerutti. Italian Ambassador at Paris, during a conversation with Mr, Laval, confirmed .Signor Mussolini’s intention of proposing Abyssinia’s expulsion from the League, and promised that documents in support of that proposal would be communicated to the French Government in a few days.

He added that Signor Mussolini would insist on a settlement by the Council without reference to the Assembly.

No indication of the official attitude toward Mussolini’s latest move is ; et available, but the idea is fervidly- welcomed by a section of the French Press as affording an avenue of escape from the country’s present dilemma. The mere possibility that Sigrc r Mussolini may be prepared to continue to use the League’s pence machinery is held to offer an inestimable respite, while Britain is reminded that, by laying bis case before the Council. Signor Mussolini will remove the real issues which have so far divided British and Italian opinion. From this starting point it is argued that the League, if the justice of the Italian cause is admitted, might even grant an Italian mandate over Abyssinia which might be rendered effective by what one French newspaper calls “somewhat severe police operation.” Other euphemisms for authorised war are suggested, all of then based on the assumption that British objections to the absorption of Abyssinia can now be removed or averted. Meanwhile, the French Press makes a strong and almost desperate appeal to Signor Mussolini to refrain from attacking in defiance of all his engagements.

The “Daily Mail’s” Rome correspondent says that Signor Mussolini is sending a veritable library to the League Council meeting on September 4 to prove Italy’s case against Abyssinia, including Lady Simon's slavery book and numerous British White Papers, in addition to photographs and other documents bearing on every phase of Abyssinian life.

The documentation will be divided into several sections, including Abyssinia’s non-observance of her international obligations, slavery, the barbarous oppression of black peoples under Abyssinia’s rule, the complete Sack of justice, and the extremely low level of civilisation, even among the most progressive section of the population. CALL TO PRAYER Churches In Britain “TRUCE OF GOD” PROPOSAL (British Official Wireless.) (Received August 28, 7.30 p.m.) Rugby, August 27. The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the Federation of Evangelical Free Churches have issued a joint call for prayer in connection with the Italo-Abyssinian dispute. They recall the fateful meeting of the League Council on September 4 and declare that the grave issues with which it has to deal concern not only the possibility of war between Italy and Abyssinia, with all the consequences which may follow, but also the continuance of the League itself as an effective instrument of international peace and order and an alternative to inieruational anarchy. They ask that next Sunday prayers may be offered in all churches throughout the country that “the spirit of God may give wisdom and courage to the members of the Council so that by their action even now war may be averted and in any event the cause of justice and respect for treaties may be vindicated.” The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Cosmo Lang, in a letter to "The Times” referring to Mr. Lansbury’s proposal for a “Truce of God,” says he is considering how far it may be achieved. In the meantime he advises Christians to bear witness to the spiritual power which alone can establish peace and share in establishing international justice and order.