BRITAIN’S STAND

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 23 August 1935, Page 7

BRITAIN’S STAND

Cabinet Decision to Uphold League Covenant

THE ITALO-ABYSSINIA DISPUTE OBLIGATIONS UNDER TREATIES

# (British Official Wireless.) Received 1 p.m. to-day. | • RUGBY, Aug-. 22. Two long sessions of the full Cabinet were held at No. 10 Downing Street to-day when, after a detailed account of the Paris conversations had been given by Mr Anthony Eden, the Ministers considered at length the many questions connected with the Italo-Abyssinian controversy. It will be recalled that, at the end of the three-Power meeting at Paris, it ivas announced that it Avas the intention of the British- and French Governments to maintain the closest touch and co-operation, and to continue right up to the meeting of the League of Nations Council on September 4 their joint efforts to explore Avith the Italian Government through diplomatic. channels the possibility of finding a peaceful settlement of the dispute Avith Abyssinia. This Avas fully endorsed at the Cabinet meeting to-day, Avhen a strong desire to maintain the closest Anglo-French co-operation in Avith the difficult situation Avas manifest. It was understood that, as a result of the discussions, the Ministers saw no reason to depart from the policy repeatedly announced in recent weeks when the attitude of the Government towards the League of Nations and the covenant has been defined. In this connection, it will be recalled that the Foreign Secretary, Sir Samuel Hoare, speaking in the House of Commons on August 1 on the Italo-Abyssinia question, said: “I do not think there can be any doubt after the speeches of the Prime Minister, particularly on the answer he gave to a question in the House, that we are fully conscious of our obligations under our treaties and under the Covenant, and that we certainly intend to uphold them. ” The Cabinet, decided to make no change in the decision temporarily to withhold licenses for the export of arms to both parties to the dispute. This, hoAvever, does not necessaiilj , mean that the restriction Avill be maintained until September 4. The question has been, and Avill be, under constant consideration,' and between iioav and the meeting of the council it may or may not be decided to permit the export of arms to both parties as the circumstances dictate, but for the time being no change is being made. Further developments in the situation are not expected for some days, and no arrangements have been made for calling another Cabinet meeting. Sir Samuel Hoare will be in close toueh Avith his officials, and he and certain other Ministers Avho Avould be in London or Avithin reach will be available to meet if necessary at any moment to consider any points upon which a decision may be required. The Prime Minister is travelling back to Aix Les Bains to resume his interrupted holiday, and most of the other Ministers are also returning to the holidays from which they xvere called. These arrangements Avould indicate that the Ministers see no reason to suppose that the discussions at the council meeting on. September 4 and the assembly on September 9 Avill not proceed on the lines already foreseen.