NOT YET CONQUERED.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 3 July 1936, Page 5

NOT YET CONQUERED.

ITALIAN DIFFICULTIES IN ABYSSINIA.

AMBASSADOR'S DECLARATION.

<<By Telegraph-Press Assn.-Copyright) Received Thursday, 9.35 p.m. LONDON, July 2. The British Ambassador to Ethiopia, Sir .Sydney Barton, has returned to London. Interviewed by the NewsChronicle, he declared that nobody knew the real state of affairs in Abyssinia. "Actually the Italians occupy only two narrow strips of country and they' cannot be said to be occupying it in the true sense at all. The country as a whole has not submitted." The Manchester Guardian's diplomatic correspondent says news reaching London confirms the reports that the Italians are halving serious difficulties in Abyssinia. There is, of course, no general or organised Abyssinian rally, but bands of Abyssinians are fiercely resisting the Italians, even if only sporadically.

Severe fighting is reported to have occurred in the neighbourhood of Ankomar in which a number of Italian officers were killed. Even in Addis Ababa the position of the Italians is not altogether secure and outside the town there is no safety «xcept in strong detachments.

Italy's Terms.

STILL ANOTHER WARNING,

Eeceived Thursday, i>.so p.m.

LONDON, July 2.

The Times' Koine correspondent says the Italian memorandum issued on Tuesday guarantees "fair treatment in Abyssinia for the trade of all countries," but, according to Signer Gayda, this is to be made dependent on the recognition of Italian sovereignty over Abyssinia. He also asserts that, in .addition to the lifting of the sanctions, there must be a revision of the League's aggression verdict before Italy can resume full European collaboration.

The nations are again warned that the turning point has been .reached and that a choice must be made between .co-operation with Italy and policies that will drive Italy back upon "defensive but not passive positions." The choice, he asserts, rests with each sanetionist Government individually anc'l must not bo circumvented by "fictions of collectivity."