ITALY AND ABYSSINIA

Grey River Argus, 15 February 1935, Page 5

ITALY AND ABYSSINIA

AIM OF BOTH SIDES A Peaceful Settlement (Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn.) ROME, February 13. Signor Suvich has assured the Abyssinian Minister that the King and Signor Mussolini are anxious foi a settlement in a conciliatory spirit. CAIRO, February 13 - . Abyssinian sources confirm that the Emperor is making an effort fo» a peaceful solution. LONDON, February 13. The “News Chronicle •>” Rome correspondent in a message from Addis Ababa says: An Abyssinian Government statement holds Italy responsible for the Adful clash, and declares a patrol of 25 Abyssinians, armed only with rifles, Was suddenly attacked bv Italian troops armed with machine guns after an aerial reconnaisance.

The dispute between Italy and Abyssinia Was the subject of a statement in the Commons by Sir John Simon (Foreign Secretary). He said + hat His Majesty’s Government had been informed that the mobilisation of Italian troops was a precautionary measure, and in no way implied an intention of the Italian Government to abandon its endeavours to seek an amicable settlement of the differences with Etl inpia, bv direct negotiations, as foreshadowed by the letters addressed to the Secretary-General of the League of Natrons on January 19. Th? Government was also informed that there not only has been no advance on the part of the Italian forces from the line thev have long occupied in *he disputed area", hut ’he Italian Minister at Addis Ababa has been instructed bo negotiate with the Abyssinian Government. The British Minister in the Ethopian capital has been authorised to use his good offices in promoting the success nf these negotiations. Sir John Simon added that the Dress reports current yesterday, of an Italian ultimatum to Abyssinia are offieiallv denied. Protests, however. have been made at Addis Ababa, following the recent frontier incidents, and in making these protests the Itrlian Government reserved the right to seek separation. The Ethopian Government state that they have bved up tn thn undertakings given in their letter addressed to tho League. Strict orders have been envpn to avoid further incidents. So Far as he was aware, no fresh appeal had been made bv either side to the League of Nations.