ITALY WILL RESPECT BRITISH RIGHTS

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

ITALY WILL RESPECT BRITISH RIGHTS

Expected Announcement

MUSSOLINI’S STATEMENT TO WARD PRICE

Bv Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. (Received August 28, 7.30 p.m.) London, August 28. Mr. Ward Price, cabling to die “Daily Mail” from Bolzano, where the Italian manoeuvres are being held, says: Signor Mussolini informed me that fho Government, after the coining Cabinet meeting, would declare its complete readiness to respect ali the British Empire's rights, thus disposing of any suggestion that Italy’s plans are prejudicial to British interests.

The dominant impression of to-day’s manoeuvres was the worship of Signor Mussolini by soldiers and civilians. The eyes of the troops shone as they marched past or when the Duce addressed them. Villagers cheered him frantically. The Rome correspondent of “The Times” says that departures of troops for East Africa are now- almost continuous.

Signor Mussolini has instructed his Ministers to wear military uniform when attending a Cabinet meeting on August 28. (Note on Page 7.) MEETING OF LEAGUE British Ministers Prepare MR. EDEN TO REPORT (British Official Wireless.)

Rugby, August 27.

The Foreign Secretary, Sir Samuel Hoare, ami the Minister for League of Nations Affairs, Mr. Anthony Eden, both returned to work at the Foreign Office to-day. Among other business which will occupy them during the next few days is an examination of aspects of the Italo-Abyssinian dispute which will come before the League Council to-morrow week.

It v/11 be recalled that at the end of the Council meeting on August 3 Mr. Eden, referring to the proposed threePower conversations at Paris, said; — “I will inform the council at its next meeting of the result of these endeavours.” The form of the report which he will make to the council will he one of the questions to which the two Ministers will have to give attention, and it. is likely, as Mr. Eden has been associated with M. Laval as joint rapporteurs before the council on the Abyssinian appeal, that the French Premier will be consulted in this matter. In any case, the British and French Governments remain in touch through diplomatic channels in regard to the situation in accordance with the policy announced in Paris on August 18.

M. Laval is reported to have had interviews to-day with both the British Ambassador. Sir George Clerk, and the Italian Ambassador, Signor Nerutti. He saw Signor Nerutti twice. In the meantime, Press messages from Rome indicate that the Italian Government intends to conform with League procedure at the forthcoming council meeting, where the Italian delegate, Baron Aloisi, will have instructions to make a full statement' of the Italian case in reply to the Abyssinian appeal.

ARMS STORE STOLEN

Somalis Go to Abyssinia

ITALIAN CONSUL’S NOTE

London, August 27. The “Daily Express’s” Addis Ababa correspondent asserts that 3000 Somalis, who had stolen enough arms for 9000 men, crossed Obe frontier to Ogaden.

The Italian Consul handed a note to the Emperor requesting the return of the arms, but Haile Selassie disclaimed all knowledge of the incident. The Somalis are understood to be making for Harrar with the intention of joining the Abyssinians under the Turkish commander Wahib Pasha. The Moslem feudal barons had an audience with the Emperor demanding direct action against the Italians. Abyssinian cavalry is speeding arms and ammunition to the southern army reserves. Munitions which have been hidden since the battle of Adowa, but which are of doubtful value, are now emerging from caves in rock-hewn churches with the permission of the priests, who regard the coming campaign as a holy war. The Government is removing merchants’ petrol stocks to an underground shelter. The largest possible mechanised force is being concentrated at Ogaden. totalling about 140 motor-lorries. ATTITUDE OF FRANCE Cabinet Meets to Decide Paris, August 27. Au important Cabinet meeting on August 28 will decide France's attitude regarding Abyssinia at the League Council meeting. DUCE’S SONS CHEERED Cars to Escort Transport Along Canal Port Said, August 27. Two thousand Italian residents at Port Said, 1000 from Cairo, and 300 from Alexandria enthusiastically cheered the arrival of Vittorio and Bruno Mussolini aboard the Saturnia, which motor-cars will escort along the Suez Canal.