LEAGUE COUNCIL

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 12902, 1 July 1936, Page 5

LEAGUE COUNCIL

ABYSSINIA'S REPRESENTATION. _ SELASSIE TO BE LEADER. 'British Official Wireless ) RUGBY, June 29. A report frmtf Geneva states that a communication has been addressed to the Secretary-General of the Leaguo of Nations stating that the. Emperor of Abyssinia, Hailo Selassie, intends to appear in person at meetings of the Assembly as the head of the Abyssinian delegation. IF SELASSIE SHEARS. ITALY THREATENS TO REACT. (U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright). (Received Juno 30, 9.20 p.m.) GENEVA, .Tune 30. Signor Scoppa, the permanent Italian League delegate, is reported 10 have warned Mr. Eden, M. Delbos, M Litvinoff and others that Italy w ould “react strongly”, if Haile Selassie is allowed fo address the Assembly, but did not explain what form the reaction would take. According to the Times Geneva correspondent Haile Selassie will , speak on July 1. Tho Daily. Telegraph’s Geneva correspondent says that Haile Selassie will adopt an energetic line, urging the League to act fully up to its obligations. ITALY’S MANDATE PROPOSAL. WILL NOT REPORT TO LEAGUE AS A DUTY.

: The correspondent also reports that Signor Mussolini’s document at length outlines Italy’s plans lor reforming Abyssinia. It explains the steps Italy is taking to correspond with those taken by the mandatory powers and expresses readiness to report periodically to the League, but emphasises that this will ho done as voluntary act, not as. a duty. The Daily Herald’s Geneva correspondent says the memorandum appears to be purely a spontaneous gesture. but actually an ingenious move Intended to make the lifting of sanctions easier. Italy does not admit any right of control over Abyssinia by the League. WHAT GERMANY PREFERS. ARMS BETTER THAN LEAGUE. (U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright). BERLIN, June 30. “No institution, not even tne League, can organise peace.” declare’ Herr Gocbbcls in. a speech at Stuttgart. In the Italo-Abyssinian dispute, the League could do nothing but accept accomplished facts. Presumably. Germany’s, fate would have been the same if she had been the victim of an aggressive war.

“Consequently,.” he adds, “we toox the precaution on principle that tne League is good, but air squadrons and army corps aro better. Nobody reda'' dares lay before us unfair treaties offensive .to German honor and the German people, because- wt whole world knows we would not sign them.”

BRITAIN’S QUESTIONNAIRE

PESSIMISM OVER ABSENCE OP REPLY. (U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright).' (Received July 1. 12.55 a,in.) LONDON, June 30. Air. Eden presides at the Assembly until the president is elected. He is almost certain to be M. Van Zeeland as Mr. Bruce is unlikely to stand owing to bis duties as president <‘i tiio Montreux Conference. To-day’s proceedings Avill be .short and formal. The general discussion begins to-morrow when the Emperor is expected to speak. M. Dclbos informed Dr. Sehuscitnigg that his presence at Geneva is desirable. Dr. Sehusclmigg is likely to seek the approval of Signor Alussolini before accepting the inA’itation. , S. Scoppa paid a round of visits to the. various delegations. explaining tin Italian memorandum. Ras Nasibu, as counter propaganda, made similar calls, although . ihe Abyssinians do not official!! admit it. The Daily Telegraph understands that tho Emperor has engaged Mr. Mollison to fly him to London at the termination of the assembly. Behind tho scenes, discussions arc ranging far over a Avide field. M. Blum suggested to Mr. Eden that Britain should notify Gennany that’ if she does not reply soon to the questionnaire her answer will he useless. Mr. Eden is believed personally .o favour such a move and is becoming pessimistic about hopes of reaching a -.< understanding with Germany, he Locarno poAvers Avould probably meet late in July to consider the situation. „ The Morning Post’s diplomatic correspondent says that Mr. Eden avus most impressed Avith M. Blum’s realistic outlook. They agree there should be no haste in opening direct negotiations Avith Italy or in re-form-ing the League. They consider the next move* on the German issue rests With President Hitler,, though neither expect a satisfaetrov answer to tho British, questionnaire and possibly no answer at -all.