PEACE PROPOSALS

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 July 1935, Page 7

PEACE PROPOSALS

THREE POWERS TO DISCUSS MUSSOLINI’S LATEST OFFER [BY CABLE—PBESS ASSN. —COPYBIGHT.] LONDON, July 13. Newspapers report from Rome that Signor Mussolini is desirous to negotiate for an Italian protectorate over Abyssinia, not disturbing the Abyssinian dynasty. This, it is stated, Abyssinia will never accept. Consequently, Signor Mussolini, although he prefers to gain his ends without 'war, will aim at full sovereignty by conquest, if a peaceful outcome does not eventuate. It is reported that he plans to open the hostilities in October and is prepared to face the consequences. Signor Mussolini is reported to be contemplating an immediate statement of the terms on which a pacific settlement may be reached with Abyssinia. It is generally expected that it will include the demand for political control of the country on the following grounds: Firstly, that Italian rights have been violated; and secondly, that Abyssinia has not carried out her League obligations.

CAMPAIGN DIFFICULTIES. LONDON, July 13. Newspapers here emphasise an intensification of Italian efforts to organise expeditionary forces. The “Observer’s” Cairo correspondent says: “Already two hundred thousand Italians, including artisans and labourers, are in East Africa. There are in addition, an unknown number of native levies. The “Sunday Times’s” Aden correspondent dwells on the numerous difficulties facing the Italians in East Africa, due to the intense heat. It is 122 degrees in the shade. Only the strongest men are able to stand the strain. An explorer, who has returned from Abyssinia, reports that' there is extensive gun-running to Abyssinia from the Red Sea ports. The Abyssinians pay any prices for arms and ammunition. FOREIGN SECRETARY’S SPEECH RUGBY, July 13. Newspapers reproduce foreign comment on Sir S. Hoare’s speech on foreign affairs. The general impression is that the reception is encouraging. It is felt the air has been cleared, and in the improved atmosphere more rapid progress should be possible. This improvement should favour the prospects of a peaceful settlement of the Italo-Abyssinian dispute. The ‘Daily Telegraph’ referring to the alleged coolness in the German welcome, and the reported comment in Berlin that England had moved back into the French camp again, exclaims: —So difficult is it permanently to persuade either France or Germany that Great Britain’s friendships are sincere, but not exclusive.

LEAGUE SECRETARY. LONDON, July 14. M. Avenol, before leaving for Paris, said he found in London a strong determination to support the collective system. The League Council would meet as arranged, on July 25, unless arbitration was introduced in the Italo-Abyssinian dispute. U.S.A.’s REMINDER. NEW YORK, July 12. The “New York Times’s’’ Washington correspondent states: Following his conversation with Signor Rosso (Italian Ambassador) yesterday, Senator Hull took occasion to reaffirm the nation’s support of the KelloggBriand Pact, in such a way as left no doubt as regards the Pact being the cornerstone of the Administration’s foreign policy. The statement, although not addressed to Signor Mussolini, is considered tantamount to calling its provisions to Italy’s attention in connection with the current crisis in Abyssinia. “The Pact is no less binding now than when entered into by the sixty-three nations, which are parties to it,” Senator Hull said. As the Secretary of State is leaving on a fortnight’s holiday to-morrow, it is assumed that the Administration will go no further than thus stating a declaration of principles, and will not formally invoke the pact, or otherwise intervene in the Italian-Abyssinian situation/

“VESTED INTERESTS” ALLEGED.; (Received July 15, 11 a.m.) MELBOURNE. July 15. Preaching to a congregation that included Governor Huntingfield, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Canon Crotty declared that women were becoming increasingly reluctant to bear sons to be slaughtered in wars fomented to increase profits of armament manufacturers. “Vested interests are concerned in the perpetuation of war. whereby vast fortunes are made out of slaughter of innocent people,” he said.