MUSSOLINI’S WAR-TALK

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 May 1935, Page 7

MUSSOLINI’S WAR-TALK

“LION v. SHEEP” MOTTO

NO TURNING BACK z J ■ [BY OABLM—PRESS ASSN.— COPYRIGHT.] (Rec. May 25, 11 a.m.) ROME, May 24. Addressing twenty-five thousand exservicemen, participating in. the cele--bration of the anniversary of Italy’s entry into the war, Mussolini quoted the incident of the infantryman in wartime who scribbled on a shelltorn wall: “It is better to live a day like a lion, than to live a century like a sheep.” ’ He added: This te more than a motto. It represents our gospel, to which we will be faithful everywhere, against anyone. His remarks*are interpreted as referring to Abyssinia. « He concluded: Let it be known here and abroad, that once we take up a position, we march direct. We will not turn back.

PEACE-MAKERS BUSY.

GENEVA, May 23. Though the Italo-Abyssinian situation te serious,- Italy is - believed to have advanced counter proposals for a settlement to those of Abyssinia, as the result of discussions here by Mr A. Eden, M. Laval and Signor Aloisi. There is a general desire to avoid a rupture, and there is no disposition to shelve the question. The League Council will deal with the question on May 24 or May 25. LONDON, May 24. The correspondent of the ‘‘Daily ', Mail” at Geneva, says: “The Italian delegates are awaiting a reply from Rome regarding the Abyssinian question, which is expected to contain a decision as to whether peace or war will result. Telegrams from Rome thus far have warned that the League must not the negotiations until arbitration has failed to secure a reconciliation.”

THE LEAGUE’S CONSIDERATION.

RUGBY, May 24.

Private conversations between British, French and Italian delegates continued to-day at Geneva, in reference to th-a Italo-Abyssinian dispute. Despite the serious difficulties encountered, there was no relaxation of efforts to effect a compromise agreement . The subject was on the agenda of the League Council for to-day’s meeting, but consideration was postponed. It is now considered possible that it will not be brought formally to the notice of the Council until Monday.

AERIAL LOCARNO.

LONDON, May 23.-

“The Times’s” Paris correspondent says: The.air debate in the House of Commons is generally approved in France, in view of the admitted necessity of British air parity with Germany, also of the implication in this connection of .France, and also in view of the lack of an aggressive intention.

Herr Hitler’s recent speech is regarded in Government circles as having improved the prospects of an air pact. Means of reaching an agreement are being studied. The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent says: “The Govern-, meat is likely to consider' the calling of a conference of the Powers to discuss Herr Hitler’s thirtn points

cuss Herr Hitler’s thirteen points. It is felt that this offers the best means of ascertaining how far the way may be open for new agreements. In the meantime, there are many points in the speech on. which fuller information is desired.” PREMIERS’ APPROVAL. \ LONDON, May 24. It is learned that the Dominion Prime Ministers, at yesterday’s meeting with the British Ministers, expressed complete satisfaction regarding Britain’s air expansion re-arma-ment as necessary for the Empire’s defence. OVERSEAS CONSULTATION. LONDON, May 24. The “Daily Mail’s” political correspondent understands that a suggestion was made at the British-Dominion Ministers’ meeting for a standing body of Dominion representatives in London to consider foreign and defence developments.