EFFORTS TO AVERT WAR.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 12 July 1935, Page 7

EFFORTS TO AVERT WAR.

BRITAIN'S SIGNIFICANT

BRITAIN'S SIGNIFICANT PREPARATIONS.

(By Telegraph-Press Assu.-Copjrigiit) Received Thursday, 9.50 p.ra LONDON, July 11. The diplomatic world continues to be absorbed in the problem of averting an ItaloAbyssinian war. M. Avenol (Secretary of the League of Nations) has already conferred 'with Signor Grandi (Italian Ambassador) and the French and Polish Ambassadors. The strictest secrecy is being observed everywhere, but it is reported with reserve that Signor Grandi is tentatively proposing as a solution that Italy be granted a zone in the Abyssinian hinterland of Eritrea and Italian Somaliland in which she would exercise political control. Behind this a further zone of Italian influence would be recognised by Abyssinia in which Italy would have a free hand in rehabilitation and the suppression of slavery. It is believed the present consultations everywhere are centreing primarily on the immediate procedure. The British Government has circularised local authorities who are requested to supplement the safety precautions frem air attacks. It is explained that the measures arc whollyprecautionary and it would be unwise to imply the risk of war in the near future or relaxation of the Government's efforts to ensure peace. Nevertheless, despite the plans to increase the air force and ground antiaircraft defences, it is impossible to guarantee immunity from attack. '

ETHIOPIA DESIRES PEACEFUL SOLUTION.

BUT ASKS FOR FREE ENTRY OF MUNITIONS. LONDON, July 11. The Times' Addis Ababa correspondent says that an official communique expresses no surprise at the Italian attitude of The Hague. It says that Ethiopia, always desiring a peaceful solution, demanded an immediate convocation of the League Council. Abyssinia has also sent Notes to the British. French, and Belgian Ministers, hoping that it will be no longer necessary to oppose the supply of munitions necessary for the defence of Abyssinia's integrity and independence. JAPAN NOT INTERFERING. Received Friday, 1 a.m. TOKIO, July 11. The foreign spokesman denies the report cabled yesterday that the Japanese Minister is trying to avert Italio-Abys-sinian hostilities.