COMPLETE CONTROL

Hokitika Guardian, 11 July 1935, Page 5

COMPLETE CONTROL

ITALY’S DEMANDS THE ABYSSINIAN SITUATION. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright;. LONDON, July 10. The “Daily Telegraph’s Rome correspondent says: — 1 Signor Mussolini will not refuse to negotiate' before taking up arms against Abyssinia, but he insists that such negotiations must be outside of the League of Nations. He also insists that there must he a complete settlement of the issues, giving Italy complete military control in Abyssinia. Italy's demands are thus enumerated: —

Firstly : The guarantee of the safety of Italy’s colonial frontiers in Eritrea and Italian Somaliland. This could only be achieved by -.the placing of the administration of Abyssinia in Italy’s hands. *■., " a

Secondly: The full execution of the Abyssinian - Emperor’s promises to give Italy colonisation and peaceful penetration rights. Thirdly: The abolition,i of slavery in Abyssinia, and the introduction of education amongst the masses there. Fourtnly: Freedom for Italy to exploit the country’s natural wealth. “.Though the League of Nations circles regard the Commission deadlock over Abyssinia as calling for a special meeting of , the League Council, they also are seemingly convinced that Signor Mussolini: will certainly leave the League of Nations .if; any attempt is made to assert the League’s authority. Moreover, there .is no chance that any sanctions will; be;, applied against Italy, whatever Signor Mussolini may .do; and, apparently, it is firmly believed that Signor Mussolini is determined to , acquire a Norti Africa empire and to make Abyssinia into an Italian Morocco, in which he hopes to settle three million Italians. This would dijrainislu,ltaly’s present over-population.,’’ Hopes of a peaceful settlement of the Italo-Abyssnian dispute are not yet abandoned by the British Govern-ment.-’which -throughout lias recognised that grave alternatives would arise,- • failing such result, and it is assumed this was one of the subjects discussed in. the conversation with the League Secretary.