EMPEROR’S PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 71, 17 December 1935, Page 9

EMPEROR’S PROBLEM

Will Ndt Make a Hasty

Decision

London, December 15,

The Addis Ababa correspondent of “The Times,” in explaining the Emperor’s attempt to transfer the initiative to the League, points out that Haile Selassie is unwilling to accept too hastily the advice-of officials who, apart from the British adviser, Mr. Colson, desire the speedv rejection of the peace proposals. The Emperor cannot agree to sacrifice part of the Tigre, which is now ceded strategically, or permit the introduction of Italian colonists, who might be a fertile source for future incidents and a pretext for further inroads. Moreover, the proposals do not mention a frontier guarantee, which the Emperor requested as an essential element for settlement, although it is felt that such a guarantee would not, prevent the break-up of Abyssinia if the Italians were permitted to re-enter. The Emperor, sharing these views, is determined not to be placed in the wrong by too hasty a rejection in the new situation which has arisen, or to risk exposing Abyssinia to the impatience bf those desiring peace at any price. Accordingly, it is believed the League Assembly must be shown Abyssinia’s attitude in order to rally the small Powers to her side. Meanwhile, the achieving of this without flatly rejecting the French and British offices Is a problem which the Emperor is discussing at Dessie with Mr. Colson and the Foreign Minister.