PRESSURE ON ITALY

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 August 1935, Page 7

PRESSURE ON ITALY

COMPROMISE ACCEPTED DELEGATES HAVE BUSY DAY [by CABLE—PRESS ASSN.—COPYBIGHT.] LONDON, August 2. The Australian Associated Press correspondent says:—Geneva has experienced a day of “streamlined” diplomacy. Britain’s minimum requirements were included in the AngloFrench draft resolution. These requirements were: Firstly, the continuation of the conciliation procedure; secondly, that neither Italy nor Abyssinia should meanwhile resort to arms; thirdly, the appointment of a fifth arbitrator to the Conciliation Commission, which should report on September 2; fourthly, that the signatory Powers of the 1906 Treaty with Abyssinia should assist in settling the*dispute, the report on which Powers should be submitted to the League Council on September 4. Signor Mussolini, by telephone, objected to Britain’s second point, and also to Abyssinian representation at the signatory Powers’ conference. Thereupon M. Laval rang up the Duce, and urged his reconsideration. Signor Mussolini, in the afternoon, submitted counter proposals, which Mr. A. Eden passed on to London, where they were rejected. Mr. Eden and M. Laval then conferred with the Italian delegate to the League, Baron Aloisi, for an hour and a half. It appeared that Italy insisted that the discussion proposed under the 1906 Treaty should not be under the League’s auspices; but it is believed that a compromise was then reached, whereby the clause in the resolution concerning the 1906 Treaty should be dropped, the Powers at the same time affirming a readiness to negotiate with Abyssinia in the spirit of that Treaty at either Paris or home, which, it is hoped, will enable a settlement to be reached to-mor-the Abyssinians remained in the background during the day. Hawarist, the Abyssinian representative, was not informed of the consultations beyond receiving a copy of the draft Resolution. Apparently, he was content to watch proceedings. Baron Aloisi, later, informed Mr. Eden and M. Laval that Signor Mussolini would reply to the draft resolution to-morrow. This, however; does not affect the expectation that Italy may partially compromise on her earlier objections in the face of British and French pressure. Both Britain and France are insistent on keeping the proceedings under the League auspices, even if the League is not the actual instrument thereof. Mr. Eden and M. Laval dined together. M. Laval afterwards returned to his hotel in high spirits. It appears that Mr. Eden and Baron Aloisi have reached an agreement, and are only waiting , Signor Mussolini’s confirmation. ACCEPTANCE REPORTED (Rec. August 3, 10.30 a.m.) GENEVA, Aumist 2. Mussolini is reported to have accepted the Anglo-French proposals for the council’s conciliation proceduie with the exception of the time limit at the subsequent British, French and Italian negotiations for a settlement, which it is hoped will overcome the difficulties. Abyssinian approval of the procedure has yet to be obtained.

INFORMATION DISTRIBUTED. RUGBY, August 2. At Geneva, this evening, there was a private and informal gathering ot Council delegates, in order that members who had not participated in Ute actual negotiations should be kept informed and consulted in regard to them. ITALIAN REPLY TO BRITAIN (Rec. August 3, 11 a.m.) MILAN. August 2. What is considered to be a reply to Sir S. Hoare is contained in an article in “Popolo,” apparently inspired by Mussolini, which says:—The conflict with Abyssinia will let all of us see our friends and enemies face to face, and enable us to tell which nations maintain the correct attitude towards Italy, and which are hostile. We shall be friends only with those who have proved they are Italy s friends. Those who live long enough will see this record of friendship and enmity will be kept up-to-date foi use i to-day and especially to-morrow. Italian newspapers generally consuled that Sir S. Hoare’s speech was much firmer against Italy than his pre-, vious declaration.

ITALY’S FINANCES LONDON, August 2. "The Times’s" Rome correspondent says: “It can safely be predicted that" whatever formula may be . agreed on at Geneva, Italy will not abandon her military preparations in East Africa." The "Daily Herald's” city editoi says: "The Italian financial position is regarded so seriously in the citi that British exporters are considering the question of a cessation ol deliveries until Italy settles overdue accounts. Official denials that. Italy is seeking credits, refer to ditect io vernment action. Overtures have actually been made by Italian banks. A NEGRO LEGION. LONDON. August 2. The “Dailv Mail's” Addis Ababa correspondent says: “Colonel bauntlerov Julian, the "Black Eagle ol Harlam” who left New York, promising to raise a legion of American negroes. Ins arrived at Addis Ababa on a white charger, and wearing the uniform of an American colonel. Julian claims to be the Abyssinian Air Minister. However. an official declared that Abyssinia had not enough planes to risk them. MR ROOSEVELT'S REFERENCE. WASHINGTON. August 1. President Roosevelt, in a statement, said: "At this moment, when the Council of the League of Nations is assembled to consider ways for composing. by pacific means, the differences that have arisen between Italy land Ethiopia, 1 wish to voice the hope I of the people and Government of America that an amicable solution

will be found and that peace will be maintained.’’ President Roosevelt’s statement in support of peace efforts, while not mentioning Britain by name, is generally construed as denoting a desire morally to support her efforts at Geneva. The statement is considered of unusual siynificance, as any expresIsion of the Government's views on such matters customarily comes from the State Departmciit.