NEW EFFORT TO AVERT WAR.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 15 July 1935, Page 7

NEW EFFORT TO AVERT WAR.

But Mussolini Stands for Unacceptable Terms. 200,000 Troops Already on Scene. Intense Heat Will be Worst Enemy. .Received Sunday, 7.30 p.m. LONDON, July 13. The Observer’s diplomatic correspondent, forecasting a new effort to avert an Italio-Abyssinian war, believes the French and Italian Ambassadors will shortly confer with Sir Samuel Hoare, British Foreign Minister, following np the latter’s recent suggestion that a solution could be found through the machinery of the 1006 Treaty combined with the League. On the contrary it is reported from Rome that Mussolini is desirous to negotiate a protectorate over Abyssinia not disturbing the Abyssinian dynasty which, it is stated, Abyssinia will never accept. Consequently Mussolini, although he prefers to gain his ends without war, will aim at full sovereignty by conquest.

If a peaceful outcome does not eventuate he plans to open hostilities in October and is prepared to face the consequences.

The newspapers emphasise the intensification of Italian efforts.to organise their expeditionary forces. The Observer’s Cairo correspondent says already 200,000 Italians, including artisans and labourers, are in East Africa in addition to an unknown number of native levies.

The Sunday Times’ Aden correspondent dwells on the numerous difficulties due to the intense heat which reaches 122 in the shade. Only the strongest are able to stand the strain. An explorer who returned from Abyssinia reports extensive gun-running to Abyssinia from the Red Sea ports. The Abyssinians pay any prices for arms and ammunition. Received Sunday, 10.30 p.m. , ROME, July 13. Mussolini is reported, to be contemplating an immediate statement of the terms on which a pacific settlement may be reached with Abyssinia. It is generally expected it will include a demand for political control of the country on the grounds, firstly, that Italian rights have been violated; secondly, that Abyssinia has not carried out her League obligations.