ITALIAN SENATORS APPROVE DECREES

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 197, 18 May 1936, Page 9

ITALIAN SENATORS APPROVE DECREES

Annexation of Abyssinia VOTE SHOWS COMPLETE UNANIMITY By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright, (Received May 17, 7.30 p.m.), Koine, May 16. Standing surrounded by cheering senators clad in black Fascist uniforms, Signor Mussolini asked that the decrees annexing Abyssinia—the King s assumption of the title of Emperor and the appointment of Marshal Badoglio as viceroy—be 'rushed through as emergency measures. The Senate was packed. The diplomatic galleries contained Prince Starhemberg of Austria and representatives of non-sanc-tionist countries, including the United States and Japan. Senator Federzoni, the president, declared that in order to experiment with an absurd juridical conception a ferocious economic war had been unprecedentedly waged against a people guilty only of defending their fundamental rights. Nevertheless, Italy had won both military ttnd political triumphs. Let any wishing to prevent Italy returning to the work of peace and reconstruction face their responsibility. The Marchese Marconi acted as chairman of the committee which examined the decrees and approved them within a few minutes. Voting, which was led by the Crown Prince, who was followed by seven other princes, resulted in acceptance of the decrees by 370 votes to nil. This is regarded as surprising as the ballot was secret and several non-Fascists participated. The Marchese Marconi, presenting the committee’s approval of the decrees, declared that Italy would resist any attempt to deprive her of her new empire, won in the teeth of sanctions, which were the most senseless and most immoral events in history. Italy only wished, in addition to her increased work on behalf of civilisation, to resume loyal collaboration for peace and international equilibrium in Europe. Any attempting obstruction in It would be guilty of the grossest injustice and the most dangerous menace. The Senate decided to erect tablets in tbe House recording: Benito Mussolini founded the empire on May. 9. The Government-controlled National Credit Institute has voted £1.600,000 to develop Abyssinia, including seven arterial roads. A semi-official company is being established to exploit mineral wealth. Other proposed developments include hydro-electric power, cotton and coffee-growing and cattle-breeding. ABYSSINIA’S CASE Emperor Going to Geneva London, May 15. Haile Selassie will go to Geneva on June 15 to defend Abyssinia’s case at tbe next meeting of the League Council.