“HAVE PLAYED OUR PART”

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

“HAVE PLAYED OUR PART”

Britain and Abyssinian War NEWSPAPER TRIBUTE TO EMPEROR By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received May 3, 7.30 p.m.) London, May 2. The Foreign Secretary, Mr. Anthony Eden, after a conference with Foreign Office officials lasting five hours 40 minutes, begun after the receipt of Sir Sidney Barton’s telegram, travelled to Leamington to attend a constituents’ dinner, where he said: Many of you, like myself, have your thoughts in Africa. I have only one observation to make in regard to it. We have played our part, not on behalf of any Imperial interests or selfish motives, but because, as members of the League and signatories to the Covenant, we had an obligation which we shared with other members of the League. Whatever the lessons of the last seven months, we must be prepared to profit thereby in a spirit ot realism, steadily pursuing the constant purpose of British foreign policy, which is the maintenance of peace. The “Sunday Dispatch” pays tributes to Haile Selassie as a gallant warrior, a skilful statesman and a patriot worthy of the highest rank in history. “His stand against modern arms has been an inspiring epic of heroism and endurance, and he deserves all honour in his inevitable defeat,” it says. “Wherever he seeks refuge he will be welcomed. There is no part of the British realm where he would not be afforded friendly sanctuary.”

The “Sunday Times” editorially describes Haile Selassie’s flight as an extremely grave international event which may prove to be a death-blow to Abyssinia’s independence. Meanwhile one lesson of the Abyssinian tragedy is the League’s glaring failure, necessitating its reorganisation In order to prevent war among members of the League. GROWING PRESSURE Italy Feeling Sanctions (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, May 1. The League of Nations published today new statistics on international trade with Italy which reveal that during February the pressure of sanctions was greatly increased. The figures for March, though not yet published, are reported to be of even greater significance. The imports of 43 countries from Italy and the Italian colonies in February. 1035. amounted to 16,336,900 gold dollars, but in February, 1930, the value had fallen to 6,737.100 gold dollars. WOULD MEAN WORLD WAR Gayda on Closing of Canal Rome, .May 1. Signor Virginio Gayda is launching a threat that a frightful world war would follow a decision to close the Suez Canal or otherwise directly to assist Abyssinia. He adds that though Italy would deplore such a war, she would, if it were forced on her, face it with all her might. Italy’s army could turn about, increase its strength one hundred-fold, and implacably attack new enemies in every corner of the world. The countries to pay the price would he those great Empires which had stretched their tentacles throughout the world. DOMINION DECISION Tooley Street Merchants To Confer London, May 1. Tooley Street authorities are reluctant to comment on the reported decision by the New Zealand Dairy Board to notify Tooley Street merchants that all agreements will lapse on July 31. Leading firms are expected to confer on the matter next week. It is generally considered that the decision will not affect marketing, but it is pointed out that the experience of other countries shows that too rigid control of commodities does not pay in the long run. ON LONDON MARKET Japanese Butter Praised London, .May 1. A shipment of 2000 boxes of Japanese butter is being marketed by Tooley Street consignees. They state that it is some of the finest they have seen, and it is selling freely, despite the 15/per hundredweight duty. A second shipment is due shortly, and big ship ments are contemplated next year under the supervision of Danish experts who have planned increased output. Officials at Australia House are Investigating the probable output, bn' they do not regard the matter as a serious menace at present..