BRITISH INTERESTS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 12869, 23 May 1936, Page 5

BRITISH INTERESTS

IN AFRICA, EGYPT AND PALESTINE. WILL BE FULLY PROTECTED.

MR. BALDWIN’S STRAIGHT REPLY. 'British Official TJireless.l RUGBY. May 21. The Prime Minister, Mr. Stanley Baldwin, was asked in ,the House of Commons at question time whether, in view of the declaration of the Italian Government annexing the whole of Abyssinia and the consequent menace to the British position in Africa and the Near East, the Government would make it clear, in unmistakable terms, that in no circumstances would interference with the existing regimes In Egypt and Palestine be permitted, and whether, in view of the changed conditions caused by the development in the n.ir, the question of strengthening Britain’s defences in the Suez Canal area would be considered in consultation with the Egyptian Government.

Mr. Baldwin replied that it would ho realised that Egypt and Palestine were in separate categories. So far as Egypt was concerned. His Majesty's Government had notified foreign Powers in March of 1922 that it had decided to terminate the protectorate and recognise that country as a sovereign independent State. In notifying the Powers His Majesty’s Government made it clear, in unmistakable terms, that it would regard as an unfriendly act any attempt at interference in the affairs of Egypt b v nn v Power and would consider any aggression against the territory or Egypt as an act to be repellc-d by all means at the Government’s command. “A further statement appears to be unnecessary.” added Mr. Baldwin. Continuing, he' said that as regards the Suez Canal area, preliminary conversations were at present being held in Cairo with a view to the negotiation of a treaty of alliance between the United Kingdom and Egypt, and questions concerning the protection of too canal were being taken into account. His Majesty’s Government was responsible for the administration and protection of Palestine in accordance v.ith the terms of the mandate and intended to discharge its responsibilities to the full.

PROBLEM OF LEGATION r: LARDS. 1 NO DECISION YET. (U P.A. by Elec. Tel. Cooyrmht) ißoodvcd May 22, 11.5 p-'-'-'.i. LONDON, May 21. The Times' diplomptie correspondent says that• Signoi Grandi called at the Foreign Office and discussed the strength of the British Legation at Addis Ababa, which Brita n has not yet decided >o reduce. It is Miovc-n that France also is undecided veg.m-'a-ing the withdrawal of tuoous at Direduwa.

PUP.ETA’ A COLONIAL AFFAIR

MUSSOLINI ON ABYSSINIA

(U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Onwnsnt) (Received May 22. hi p m.). LONDON. May 22

The Times’ Rome correspondent says that it h denied that Marshal Badoglio was hastily recalled owing to the European situation. He is returning for a short period of leave, partly for liralth reasons and also because Signor Mussel ui desires a full report on the situation in Abyssinia,

Signor Mussolini throughout has Insisted thl.it the Abyssinian disnut: .shov.ld bo regarded purely as a colonial affair, devoid of European repercussions, and claims to have maintained his pi dgc to prevent an African confl.ct from developing into European war. There is now no doubt that his recent .declarations to Mr. Ward wore intended for the Bnitish nation at large and it would not be surprising, therefore, if h: now follows up these declarations by taking soundings in s more official manner. .