PEACE MOVEMENTS

Evening Star, Issue 22209, 11 December 1935, Page 11

PEACE MOVEMENTS

. FRAHGO-BRITISK PLAN SPECULATION AND ALARM Press Association— By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, December 9. The Cabinet sat for 90 minutes, and it is believed that it endorsed the proposals outlined by Sir .Samuel Hoare and M. Laval, which have still not been disclosed officially. It is now confidently expected that the British and French formula is very different from what so far has been rumoured. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ diplomatic correspondent understands that the terms embody limited rectification of the Italo-Abyssinian frontier, including only part of the Tigre where the Italians obtained a footing, which the Abyssinians have no means of shaking. Britain and, France also proposed the formation of an Italian chartered company to develop fertile tracts on the Kenya border, near Lake Rudolph. The Addis Ababa correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ says: “Officials express the opinion that it is extremely improbable that the Emperor, after his previous statements, will cede an inch of the Tigre, but concessions in Ogaden are possible. BETTER ATMOSPHERE IN ITALY ROME, December 9. Optimism is 4 growing with regard to the proposals, Signor ~ Mussolini’s spokesman saying that signs of goodwill were evident everywhere. BRITISH OPPOSITION PARTIES EXPLANATION , DEMANDED. - ‘ • LONDON, December 10. - The ‘ News-Chronicle’s ’ political correspondent says: “ Alarmed at reports that- the proposals framed by Sir Samuel Hoare and M. Laval would involve handing over vast tracts of Abyssinian territory to Italy, the Opposition parties intend to demand Government explanations on December 11. Reports from Paris assert that the total area in Abyssinia being offered to Signor Mussolini is 150,000 square miles, or nearly half the country. Sir Archibald Sinclair, on behalf of the Liberals, and Dr Dalton, on behalf of Labour, will press the Government not to consent ’ to territorial or economic concessions which were not acceptable to 'Abyssinia. Dr Dalton, who was interviewed, said: “If the reported terms are, correct they are monstrous. It would be disastrous if we were to condone felony and worse than felony—namely, wholesale murder and treaty-breaking;” : The Abyssinian Legation issued the following statement: “We are virtually being asked to give up our country to an.unlawful invader. We will never do that.” According to the ‘ News-Chronicle ’ strong criticism of the proposals was voiced in the Cabinet yesterday. The plan was eventually endorsed, hut it is stated that the Ministers were not unanimous. ' The ‘ News-Chronicle’s ’ Rome correspondent sdys the latest information indicates 7 that Signor Mussolini may accept the proposals “ as a basis for discussion.” . The Pope is strongly urging him to give>a favourable reply. CONCEDING TOO MUCH TO ITALY BRITISH CABINET OPPOSED TO SOME POINTS. LONDON, December 10. (Received December 11, at 10.15 a.m.) , Major Attlee, in. the House of Commons, asked Mr Baldwin whether before action was taken he would inform the House of the proposals for a settlement of the Italo-Abyssinian dispute to which the Government was committed. Mr Baldwin replied that no suggested basjs had been submitted either to Italy or to Abyssinia. It was obviously premature to make a statement. It is authoritatively stated that Cabinet has not endorsed every aspect of the Hoare-Laval plan, points of which are meeting with considerable opposition on the grounds that it is conceding too much to Italy in view of her aggression. Certain detailed amendments are reported to have been drafted and communicated to Paris. It,is emphasised that there is no change in British attitude that a /settlement must really be acceptable to the League, Italy and Abyssinia. Moreover, there is no intention of bringing pressure to bear on Abyssinia, who claims that the Italian successes are negligible and for that reason it is unreasonable to expect cession of territory. THE PARIS LEAKAGE POSITION COMPLICATED (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, December 10. (Received December 11, at noon.) Captain Eden will proceed to Geneva to-morrow as principal British delegate at the meeting on Thursday of the Committee of Eighteen of the League. Complete reserve regarding the draft of the Paris formulas has been maintained in London official quarters in accordance with the undertaking given during the Laval-lloare conversations, consequently the British Press has concentrated its attention on an unofficial and partial version of the draft terms published in Paris newspapers. British Press comment is in nearly all cases highly critical of these versions.

According to ‘ The Times,’ the French Press reports also created an unfavourable impression among a large number of members of the House of Commons, where Dr Hugh Dalton has tabled a question asking Captain Eden whether he will make a further statement regarding the proposals submitted on behalf of His Majesty’s Government and the French Government to the Italian Government for a settlement of the war ini Abyssinia. A further meeting of Cabinet was held to-day, at which an examination of the formulas for a negotiated settlement of the Italo-Ethiopian dispute took place. Consultation on points of procedure, which are an essential factor in the suggested arrangements, is still proceeding between London and Paris, and the matter may again come before Cabinet at the usual weekly meeting to-morrow. In the House of Commons, pressed to say whether the reports which had appeared in the newspapers were substantially correct, the Prime Minister said; “I have not examined the Press report. The leakage in Paris has made very difficult a delicate situation. .1 am told by those who have studied both the original proposals and the Press reports that there are considerable differences in matters of substance.” Mr Baldwin was then urged, in view of the leakage, to make known the real proposals, and he replied: “ Any discussion in the House before the question can be considered by the interested parties would do no good and might do a great deal of harm. I have spent the whole of .this morning in consultation regarding, messages which have been coming through on this matter, and I am not at all sure finality has yet been reached.” He added that a statement would ’ be made to the House as soon as the whole of the relevant papers could be laid on the table. BRITAIN’S HAND PURGED COMPELLED TO ACCEPT FRENCH PLAN LONDON, December 1(L (Received December 11, at 12.50 p.m.) The ‘ Sun-Heraldf’ is informed that the French virtually forced Britain to accept the peace plan. Sir Samuel Hoare realised upon his arrival that unless he ’compromised with M. Laval’s plan the French would completely withdraw from sanctions. For that reason he was forced to negotiate the best possible agreement. In other words,' the plan M. Laval produced was virtually the price he paid for the Fascist League’s support, by which he secured a vote of confidence last week. . Murmurings in the lobbies last night such as; “The French have sold us. They have forced us to double cross the League and will drive us more to Germany for friendship,” represent a large section of feeling in the Commons. The possibility of Captain Eden’s resignation is being discussed. Mr Baldwin is placed in an unenviable position. He virtually had to decide between an agreement with M. Laval or Britain carrying the baby, because France’s withdrawal from sanctions meant Britain carrying on against Italy practically single-handed, possibly leading to war for the sake of Abyssinia, which the country would never, support. , Another aspect is whether the small Powers,' shocked by the proposals, will interpret them as smashing the League and lead them to ask why they should run the risk of supporting the .League. Authoritative quarters insist that Sir Samuel Hoare has not committed himself or the Government to the proposals, that Sir Samuel Hoare, having concluded his discussions with M. Laval, forwarded them to the Cabinet to take or, leave, and that consequently Britain so far is not in any way pledged. Unhappily this view does not allay the disquiet, ■ because Sir Samuel Hoare, as Foreign Secretary, jointly signed Sunday’s communique that complete AngloFrench accord had been reached. QUESTIONS IN HOUSE PROPOSALS BASIS FOR DISCUSSION. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, December 10. (Received December 11, at 1.30 p;m.) Both Major Attlee and Sir Archibald Sinclair, as well as other members of the House of Commons, continued to ask supplementary questions, in the course of the replies to which the Prime Minister emphasised that the proposals were merely a basis for discussion, and it was a necessary condition, as the Government had always said they should be approved by the three parties, the League and the two States concerned. CABINET UNEXPECTEDLY SUMMONED . . LONDON, December 10. (Received December 11, at 11 a.m.) Cabinet was unexpectedly summoned at noon to continue discussions. on the peace proposals. Captain Eden’s plans to go to Geneva to-morrow for the oil sanctions meeting thus far are unchanged. FRENCH CABINET APPROVES PROPOSALS PARIS, December 10. (Received December 11, at 11.5 a.m.) The French Cabinet approved of the peace proposals. M. Laval has arranged to go to Geneva to-morrow. Rome correspondents of the French Press consider that Signor Mussolini’s silence augurs well for a rapid settlement. LEAGUE COUNCIL TO MEET PARIS, December 10. (Received December 11, at 11 a.m.) Importance is attached to the report that the League Council has been sum-.

moned to meet on December 17, ostensibly to discuss the settlement of Assyrians from Iraq. -ft is hinted that the real reason is to conclude a peace settlement, though it* is recognised that everything hinges on Signor Mussolini’s acceptance. PROPOSALS HOT YET RECEIVED BY ITALY ROME, December 10. (Received December 11, at 11 a.m.) The text of the proposals has not yet been received. The official spokesman stated that Italy awaited them with an open mind. If offered the minimum of Italy’s necessities she would probably accept as a basis for discussion. OPINION AT GENEVA GENEVA, December 10(Received December 11 at 11 a.m.) The proposals are still causing a feeling of stupefaction in League circles, where it is reported that the terms are not credited, as they go far beyond the original proposals of the Committee of Five.