UNREST IN ABYSSINIA

Grey River Argus, 19 August 1937, Page 5

UNREST IN ABYSSINIA

SELASSIE REFUSES Italian Invitation to Return [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received 5.5 p.m., August 18.) LONDON, August 18. The “News Chronicle” says Signor Mussolini has at least twice invited Haile Selassie to return to Abyssinia, as a puppet Sovereign. Selascie has twice refused, emphasising that he will negotiate only through the League of Nations. Bitter experience has convinced Rome that only the presence of Selassie or that of a member of his family, can ensure tribal loyalty and discipline. Abyssinians at present are in such constant revolt and wage such skilful guerilla warfare, that no Italian life is safe. The railway journey from Addis Ababa to Djibouti is perilous. Italians are forced to live within barbed wire. Many Italian colonists have revolted against the regime, while others have fled. Kenya, Khartoum, and British Somaliland are feeding and clothing half a million soldier colonists. Is the problem, apparently, insoluble in default of Selassie’s return? Signor Mussolini realises that he can establish himself in Abyssinia only with British help. He is, therefore, prepared to improve Anglo-Italian relations. Nevertheless, the League of Nations certainly will not expel Abyssinia in September, Mr. Eden having assured Mr. Attlee to that effect.