DUCE’S OFFER

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 201, 22 May 1936, Page 11

DUCE’S OFFER

Safeguarding British Interests ONE CONDITION ONLY Non-Interference With Work In Abyssinia ANXIETY FOR FRIENDSHIP By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received May 21, 10.15 p.m.) London, May 21. The “Morning Post’s” diplomatic correspondent has the highest authority for stating that Signor Mussolini is most anxious to continue on good terms with Britain and is prepared to give full guarantees to safeguard British Imperial interests, both in Africa and outside. Tiie only condition attaching to his offer is, if not immediate recognition of. at least non-interfer-ence with, Italian colonisation in Abyssinia. If Britain accepts this condition Italy is prepared to offer a solemn undertaking not to oppose British interests in Egypt and elsewhere. The French newspaper “I'lnformation” declares that Signor Grandi. Italian Ambassador in London, has been specially Instructed regarding forth coming explanations to the British Government, which, it is believed, will in elude notification that Signor Mussolini is prepared to give an assurance that he does not seek to extend the Roman empire to northern Africa, as a tangible proof of which he is willing to consider the removal of white troops from Libya if Britain so desires. BADOGLIO GOING HOME Graziani May Be Regent (Received May 21, 10.15 p.m.) Asmara, May 21. Marshal Badoglio’s son Mario (lew him from Addis Ababa and he will sail for Rome to-day aboard the hospital ship Arborea. It is officially stated that he is only going on holiday leave, but it is strongly hinted that he is unlikely to return except on a possible visit with Signor Mussolini or the King. The Exchange Telegraph Company’s Asmara correspondent says it is reported that Marshal Graziani will succeed Marshal Badoglio with the title of regent. A Rome message states that it is understood that Marshal Badoglio will remain in Italy until the danger of a conflict arising from sanctions has passed. Marshal Graziani will probably be entrusted with the task of the pacification of Abyssinia in view of his reputation for using the iron hand in Libya. ULSTER M.P.’s CHARGE Italians Deride Naval Ratings London, May 20. Speaking in the Ulster House Of Commons, Mr. J. W. Nixon, who has just returned from a visit to Australia, said: “While I was at Port Said I heard Italians aboard a troopship hurl the most disgraceful epithets at members of the Australian Navy aboard my ship. The Australians, to their greatcredit, ignored them.” Mr. Nixon told the Australian Associated Press Agency: "In the presence of myself and hundreds of fellowpassengers on the Esperance Bay, which was within speaking distance of an Italian troopship, the Italians demonstrated for about an hour. Their ep’thets were aimed principally at a party of Australian naval ratings who were on their way to join their ships. The Italians sang a song to the effect that they had taken Abyssinia and were going to take Egypt. There was absolutely no excuse for their behaviour.” ITALIAN ATTACHE Mr. Eden Contemplates No Further Action (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, May 20. Questions were addressed to (lie Foreign Secretary in the House of Commons this afternoon regarding the recent activities of the Italian Military Attache in London and suggesting that representations be made in Rome for bis recall. In reply, Mr. Anthony Eden referred to the statement he niade in the House on Monday describing the manner in which the evidence purporting to establish the supply of illegal ammunition to the Ethiopian military forces from Britain had been fabricated He said he was confident that his statement would effectively protect the British Government and British industry from further allegations of this kind, and added that in the circumstances he did not contemplate any further action. SELASSIE’S MOVEMENTS No Restriction by Britain (■British Official Wireless.) Rugby, May 20. The Emperor of Ethiopia and Ethiopian authorities remaining In Ethiopia were the subject of Parliamentary answers bv the Foreign Secretary, Mr Anthonv Eden, this afternoon. Mr Eden said he understood that certain Ethiopian authorities with whom the British Consul at (lore was in touch were engaged in the task of maintaining order in that part of Western Abvssinia which was still unconquered by the Italian forces. Regarding the Emperor. Mr Eden staled that there was no restriction on his liberty of movement The only stipulation was that while his Majesty was in territory under British control he should not encage in furtherance of ties'ilii ice No pressure, either direct or indirect, would be applied to prevent his coming to the United Kingdom if he so desired.