DISMAY IN LEAGUE QUARTERS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 185, 4 May 1936, Page 9

DISMAY IN LEAGUE QUARTERS

Problem of Future Action POSITION SINGULARLY COMPLICATED (Received May 3, 7.30 p.tn.) London, May 2. Haile Selassie's flight dismayed League quarters where it Is felt that the position is singularly complicated in view of the unprecedented problem produced by the collapse of resistance, as while resistance continued tile League’s course was clear in the maintenance and possibly strengthening of sanctions until collective security triumphed. It is contended it would be a violation of the League’s principles to admit (hat an aggressor is entitled to the fruits of victory, consequently if the Covenant means anything League action ought to be continued. It is anticipated that the Italians will now insist their claim that Haile Selassie was a usurper was justified. Official French circles were surprised at Halle Selassie’s unexpected departure, although they anticipated that the Empress and other members of the Royal Family would go to Danlgouti following Halle Selassie’s recent Inquiry from the French Minister at Addis Ababa whether France would object to the Royal Family’s arriva l there. The Minister replied negatively Reports from Addis Ababa state that immediately the Emperor’s departure was known hooligans and disbanded soldiers looted the Imperial Palace nnd armed gangs roamed the streetshooting wildly and pillaging. So far there are no casualties in the French colony which is taking refuse at the legation, protected by' machine-guns. Members of the Government motored off with the Imperial archives and are believed to be heading for Gori, 60 miles southwest of Addis Ababa. Speculation has begun at Paris regarding Haile Selassie’s future. A Foreign Office spokesman says that be would be treated with every respect. As a monarch in distress he ia entitled to embark on any vessel and would oe permitted to reside in France. However. the question arises whether an Italian warship In the Red Sea might search a neutral ship suspected of carry ing the Emperor, with a view to his capture