LEAGUE TO WAIT

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 194, 14 May 1936, Page 9

LEAGUE TO WAIT

Decision on Italian Step Postponed MORE TIME NEEDED Sanctions to Remain in Force \LOISI RECALLED TO ROME (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, May 12. The League of Nations Council this afternoon passed a resolution recalling its previous conclusions and decisions on the Itato-Ethiopian dispute and ex pressing the opinion that further time was necessary to permit members to consider “the situation created by the serious-new steps taken by the Italian Government ” The Council, therefore, decided to resume its deliberations on this subject on June 15, while recording its view that, “in the meantime there is no cause for modifying the measures already adopted in collaboration by the League members." The Italian member was not present at the Council, the whole Italian dele gation having previously left Geneva on instructions from Signor Mussolini The resolution was carried with Chile abstaining, and with reservations by Ecuador and Argentina. Locarno Powers Meet. Earlier this afternoon there was a meeting o-f the Powers adhering to the Locarno Treaty, at which Mi' Anthony Eden. M. Paul-Boncour (France) and M. Van Zeeland (Belgium) were present. A communique states that the representatives of the three Govern ments, while emphasising their interest in having the matters undertaken lead to result as soon as possible, -were obliged, in view of the fact that the British inquiry for elucidation of a certain number of points in the German Government’s memorandum had not been completed, to postpone further consideration to another meeting. The communique adds that the representatives considered that as soon as the German reply has been received the other Locarno Powers should without delay have an exchange of views The Italian Ambassador called at the Foreign Office this afternoon and communicated the text of the law promulgated by Signor Mussolini in Rome on Saturday placing Abyssinian territory under Italian sovereignty. Dum-Duni Bullets Charge. Press messages from Geneva report that a communication has been received by the League Secretariat from the Italian Government renewing its allegations regarding the supply to Ethiopia of dum-dum bullets. In a written answer to a House of Commons question last week, the Foreign Secretary said: “I wish to state in the most categorical manner that all allegations that British firms have exported explosive or illegal ammunition to the Abyssinian Government for military purposes are entirely unfounded.” It is stated in London that if the allegations have been renewed at Geneva the British Government, which has already replied on a previous charge to this effect, will furnish a detailed rejoinder which will dispose of the allegations effectively and finally. A question addressed to the Foreign Secretary in the House of Commons referred to the position of the British Minister in Addis Ababa in relation to recognition of Italian authority. TinPrime Minister, replying for Mr Anthony Eden, said that the instructions to Sir Sidney Barton were to proceed on the basis that there should be accorded to the Italian military authorities that recognition to which an army in military occupation of enemy territory is entitled under the principles of international law. ‘LEAVE BY FIRST TRAIN’ Duce’s Orders to Aloisi WILL ITALY LEAVE LEAGUE? (Received May 13, 11.15 p.m.) London, May 13. The "Daily Telegraph's” Rome correspondent says that Signor Mussolini's curt telegram to Baron Alois! said: “You are. to leave Geneva by the first available train. If explanations are ashed state J' ou have no further instructions.’’ This is not interpreted as a prelude to Italy’s resignation from the League, the Government’s spokesman declaring that Signor Mussolini still believed that the League was a necessary institution, but so long as a so-calied Abyssinian delegate sat at the council table Italy would remain absent. Moreover, Italy would refuse to collaborate in European affairs or even recognise her Locarno obligations until sanctions were abolished. No foreign Government has yet recognised the Italian annexation of Abyssinia, while so far only two congratulatory telegrams have been received, namely Prince Starhemberg’s and the one from the Crown Prince of Germany, which German newspapers have been forbidden to publish. The “Morning Post’s” Rome correspondent says that Italian relations in Europe are now at a most critical point. Italy's decision whether to leave the League will depend not only on sanctions and the League’s attitude to the annexation of Abyssinia, but the German reply to the British questionnaire. The policy of the new .French Government and Asiatic and American developments will also play a part, for Italy does not intend to leave the League without first consolidating friendships at all possible points. ...... A Geneva message states that Baron Aloisi informed M. Avenol. SecretaryGeneral of the League, that the Italian delegation was leaving Geneva to-day, at Signor Mussol’ni’s instructions. It Is not known whether this portends quittance of the League or merely a threat of quittance, in view of the Council’s persistence in discussing the Italo-Ethlopian d’spute. Baron Aloisi left his hotel to catch the train for Rome while the meeting of representatives of the Locarno Powers was being held. Chile line written to the League urging that sanctions be ended. The Powers s'gnatory to the ireatj of Lausanne will meet at Montreux on

June 22 to consider the Turkish request for fortification of the Dardanelles. TASK IN ABYSSINIA Italians Plan Exploration (Received May 13, 9.35 p.m.) London, May 13. The Addis Ababa correspondent of “The Times” says that Marshal Badoglio, in a statement to newspaper men, said that Italy’s first task In Abyssinia would be exploration, which would proceed simultaneously with military occupation. Once the Italians bad properly garrisoned the country, the main means of maintaining order would be a strong air force. He admitted that the country could not be disarmed either easily or rapidly, and estimated that there were still 109.000 rilles in the whole of Abyssin’a. Nevertheless, no Abyssinian armed forces worthy of the name now remained, but only unorganised brigand bands. The Consul for Italy in New Zealand, Cav. Dott. M. Dessaules, called on the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, on Wednesday afternoon, and communicated the text of the law promulgated by Signor Mussolini in Rome on Saturday, placing Abyssinia under Italian sovereignty.