FAST DIPLOMATIC MOVES AT GENEVA

Grey River Argus, 3 August 1935, Page 7

FAST DIPLOMATIC MOVES AT GENEVA

BRITAIN AND FRANCE USE PRESSURE

TO KEEP ITALY FROM BREAKING AWAY

Possibility of a Compromise Remains

ANGLO-FRENCH PLAN. i UNACCEPTABLE TO ITALY. (Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn.) GENEVA. August 1. The meeting of the League Council has been postponed until to-morrow. ’ The Australian Associated Press correspondent says: Italy rejected the Anglo-French draft resolution formula led overnight. because it would place restrictions on. Italy. Italy’s chief objection was to the suggested conference between England. France and Italy, being under League auspices, also to Abyssinian collaboration. Li face of this setback l 0 yesterday’s optimism, Mr Eden and Al. Laval are now seeking a formula more :k reptab r to Italy, without compromising lhe League’s obligations. (Received August 2 at 7.20 p.m.) 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 Anglo-French 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 (French Foreign Minister) rang up the Dure, and urged his reconsideration. “Signor Mussolini, in the afternoon, submitted counter proposals, which Mr. A. Eden (British Minister) passed on to London, where they were rejected. Mr. Ellen and M. Laval then conferred with the Italian delegates to the League, M. 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 negoiate 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-morrow. “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 Resoluknow that an attempt at conciliation tion. Apparently, he was content to was proceeding,-?. M. Aloisi,? lacer, informed Mr. Eden and M. Laval? that Signor Mussolini would reply t# the draft resolution tomorrow. Ttyis, 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 M. Aloisi have reached an agreement, and are only waiting Signor Mussolini’s confirmation. ITALIAN MILITARY PREPARATIONS.

(Received August 2 at 9.55 p.m.) LONDON, August 2. The “Times” Rome correspondent says: “It can safely be predicted tln~, whatever formula may be agreed on at Geneva, Italy will not abandon her military preparations in East Africa.” FINANCIAL POSITION LONDON, August 2. The “Daily Herald’s” city editor says; “The- Italian financial position is regarded so seriously in the city of London, that British exporters are considering the question of a cessation of deliveries until Italy settles overdue accounts. There are official denials that Italy is seeking credits. These refer to direct, Government action. Overtures have actually been made by Italian banks.” AMERICAN NEGRO. TALKS OF ASSISTING ABYSSINIA. LONDON, August 2. The “Daily Mail’s” Addis Ababa correspondent says: “Colonel Fauntleroy Julian, the “Black Eagle of Harlam,” who left New York, promising to raise a legion of American negroes, has arrived at Addis Ababa on a white charger and wearing the uniform of an American colonel. Julian claims to I be the Abyssinian Air Minister However, an official declared that Aoyssinia had not enough planes to risk them. AMERICAN PRESIDENT’S COMMENT. WASHINGTON, August 1. I President Roosevelt, in a statement, I said: “At this moment, when tde Council of the League of Nations is assembled to consider ways for composing, by Pacific means, the differences that have arisen between Italy and Ethiopia. I wish to the hope of the people and Government of America that a amicable solution will be found and that peace will be maintained.” President Roosevelt’s statement in support of peace efforts, w r hile 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 significance, as any expression of the Government’s views on such matters customarily comes from the State Department.