ONLY TWO STRIPS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 12904, 3 July 1936, Page 5

ONLY TWO STRIPS

EXTENT OF ITALIAN OCCUPATION. ETHIOPIA NOT SUBDUED. WHAT BRITISH CONSUL SAYS. REPORTS OF SERIOUS DIFFICULTIES. (U P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright). (Received July ,2,'9.35 p.m.) LONDON, July 2. / Sir S. Barton (British Consul' at Addis Ababa) jvho has returned to London,...interviewed by the News Chronicle, declared that nobody knew the real state of affairs in Abyssinia. “Actually,”, lie said, “the Italians occupy only two narrow strips of tho country., They cannot he, said to be occupying*it in tho true sense at all. The .country as a whole has not submitted.” Tho Manchester,. Guardian’s diplomatic correspondent says that news reaching London confirms reports that the Italians, arc having serious difficulties in Abyssinia. There, is, of course, no general or organised : Abyssinian rally. but bands of Abyssinfaus are fiercely resisting the Italians,, even if only sporadically. Severe fighting is reported to have occurred in tho neighbourhood of Ankomar, in which a number of Italian officers were killed. Even in Addis Ababa, the position of the Italians is not altogether secure and outside the town there is no safety except in strong detachments. WHEN. FAIR TRADE WILL BE ALLOWED. IF SOVEREIGNTY RECOGNISED. SANCTIONS MUST BE LIFTED. AGGRESSION VERDICT MUST BE REVISED. (U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright). . , LONDON. July 2. The Times Rome correspondent says that Italian memorandum guarantees “fair treatment in Abyssinia fothe trade of all countries.” But, according to Signor Gayda, this is to be made dependent on recognition of Italian sovereignty over Abyssinia. Ho also asserts that, in addition to lifting the sanctions, there must be a revision of the League’s aggression verdict. before Italy can resume full European collaboration . The nations are again warned that the turning point has been reached and that the choice must bo made between co-operation with Italy and policies that will drive Italy back upon “defensive hut not passive positions.” The choice, lie asserts, rests with each sanctioiiist government individually and cannot be circumvented by “fictions of collectivity.”