FAITH IN LEAGUE

Evening Star, Issue 22106, 13 August 1935, Page 9

FAITH IN LEAGUE

EMPERDR OF ABYSSINIA WILL FIGHT IF WAR COMES Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright ADDIS ABABA, August 12. (Received August 13, at 10 a.m.) The Emperor, in a speech, said: The danger of war is becoming more and more serious, but we still place hope in the League, especially Britain, which is always ready to defend the rights of other nations. If war comes Ethopia will defend herself to the. last drop of blood.” SYSTEM OF CIVILISATION IN BALANCE GENERAL SMUTS ASSERTS LEAGUE MUST ACT. CAPE TOWN, August 12. (Received August 13, at 10 a.m.) General Smuts, interviewed, considered that the whqle system of civilisation would be shaken to its foundations if the League failed to avert war. The world would revert to the old system of alliances, and Europe would be divided once more into hostile camps. A great conflict in Africa, on the borders of British territory must lead to serious repercussions and raise anxious feelings between white and black, with serious results. There was no doubt that there were some points of contact between Abyssinia and Japan not yet disclosed. In some curious way the African question might get linked with the Asiatic. It was quite possible that Italy would overwhelm Abyssinia at first with aeroplanes and gas, but it was another thing to occupy it, TERRIBLE EFFICIENCY OF ITALIAN ARMY COULD RELEASE BLOODIEST AIR TERROR IN HISTORY. LONDON, August 12. (Received August 13, at 10.35 a.m.) The ‘ Sun-Herald ’ says: “The flesh of the nation tends to creep at the repeated stories from Rome of the terrible efficiency of the Italian army and air force, and the likelihood of the Abyssinians, who are preparing for the conflict by sharpening their swords and oiling their obsolete muskets, being drenched with poison gas. General Smuts warned the Italians they may bite off more than they can chew, seeing it is one thing to overwhelm a country and another to occupy it; but air circles have no doubt that when the Italians release the bloodiest air terror in history it will bring, the campaign to a swift climax. The most decisive factor is expected to be a fleet of highpower bombers dropping 600 tons of high explosive daily, shattering Abyssinian resistance and driving the forces back to permit the unrestricted advance of the Italian ground army. Italy at the beginning of 1935 possessed 1,507 front-lyje aeroplanes, but this force has been considerably reconstituted since, including the construction of bombers. The Abyssinians’ handful of fighting machines are mostly antiquated, and could offer only the weakest resistance to the Italian machines.”

TERRITORIAL PROPOSALS <• ROME, August 12. (deceived August 13, at noon.) Official circles scout the supposed Abyssinian offer to cede a- portion of Ogaden to Italy, but Emperor Selassie now explains that his offer to cede territory in exchange for economic advantages did not apply to Ogaden, but. referred to Captain Eden’s suggestion regarding Zeyla. TYNESIDE COAL EXPORTERS UNEASY ABOUT ITALIAN DEBTS. LONDON, August 12. (Received August 13, at noon.) Tyneside coal exporters seriously regard the Italian indebtedness, totalling £500,000. Twelve firms are involved. The exporters decline further commitments. A number of Durham collieries are consequently suffering from a shortage of work.