THE BIG STICK

Evening Star, Issue 22087, 22 July 1935, Page 7

THE BIG STICK

ITALY AND ABYSSINIA SPEECH IV EMPEROR Press Association —By Telegraph —Copyright ADDIS ABABA, July 20. “ Italy is seeking a pretext to initiate a campaign of vilification with a view to eventual conquest,” declared the Emperor of Abyssinia in the course of a special statement. “ Thus far Italy has found nothing better than a drunken brawl between the native employees of a commercial agency and the local police, which is misrepresented as a grave international incident. Recognising that her military preparations are. unjustifiable, morally and judicially, Italy seeks to justify her refusal to execute international engagements by denouncing us as savages, yet she herself is resorting to the most savage methods of all. She is also seeking to create dissension between our races and religions, which were never more united. We categorically announce that we will not accept a solution involving an Italian or any other protectorate or mandate. The issue is between a small nation whose attitude is pacific, but which is resolved to defend her territorial integrity and political independence which members of the League are under an obligation to safeguard, and a great nation avowing preference for a glorious war and cynically urging the necessity for expansion.” ,

The Emperor protests against the arbitrary application of an arms embargo helping a stronger nation, which is counter to all concepts of modern civilisation. He adds that he awaits confidently the League’s decisions, MUSSOLINI ANNOYED ROME, July 20. Signor Mussolini is incensed at the Empdror’s speech. He considers it is warlike and he has instructed his Minister at Addis Ababa to protest strongly. It is semi-officially announced that the Azion© colonials admit 70 deaths by sunstroke among the Italian forces. PROTECTION OF BRITISH LEGATION A MILLION SANDBAGS DESPATCHED. CAIRO, July 20. A million sandbags have been despatched to Addis Ababa to protect the British Legation in the event of war, which Egypt believes inevitable.

MUSSOLINI’S DESIRE FOR ITALY A GREAT PLACE IN THE WORLD. ROME, July 21'. (Received July 22, at 11.45 a.m.j Interviewed by the ‘ Echo de Paris ’ Signor Mussolini declared that Europe would have two or three more years or relative tranquility. He added My only desire is to serve my country, as did the great Englishmen who built up the British Empire. Europe i* decadent and is not still worthy to fulfil a colonising mission. Italy is sure to impose her will, after which she will have a great place in the world.” “ OUR FLAG IS OUR COLOUR •• RELIGIOUS UNITY IN ABYSSINIA LONDON, July 21. July 22, at 11.45 a.m.) The Addis Ababa correspondent of * The Times ’ says the Emperor did not attend the Abyssinian youth demonstration, but all sections of the community made unanimously patriotic speeches, demonstrating the religious unity, in which all applauded the sentiment: “ Our flag is our colour. We blacks must unite.” This is the first occasion reference has been made to black unity against white aggression. The Italian minister protested against the Emperor’s speech and reserved the right to take further steps.—London ‘ Times ’ cable.