BRITAIN’S POLICY

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1935, Page 5

BRITAIN’S POLICY

ROME ATTITUDE “NOT GOING TO GENEVA!” (United Press Association—By Electric Tefegrapn—Copy right) • LONDON, July 12. The Continent speedily received full reports of Sir S. Home's speech on the British’ foreign policy. In Rome, the first reaction is a sense of satisfaction that Italy’s need for expansion is being recognised, but there is disappointment felt that there is a definite statement .forthcoming regarding the British Government’s intentions.

One important matter, flroin the Italian standpoint, is that Britain now will cease to give her tactic- support to Abyssinia, which support encourages hostility.' It is realised that Britain des’ros a return of the Stresa solidarity, and that the mistrust on tile Continent has not been dispelled, so that, therefore Britain must tread warily. “La Tribune” says: “Wo are in Africa, and we shall remain! Wo are not going to Geneva, which " ill mean only new complications.”

ITALY’S DETERMINATION. ROME, July 12. Signor Mussolini, addressing 120 of the Black Shirt generals and higher grade officers on the eve of their departure for East Africa, emphasised that. Italy was determined to arrive at a full settlement of the Abyssinian quarrel. Both l/roin the viewpoint of her prestige and her national interest, he said, Italy ,eould not remain at the mercy of the Abyssinian disorderliness alid provocative truculence.

OTHER INCIDENTS REPORTED LONDON, July 12. The “Times” Rome correspondent says: There have been new incidents at Harrar. These include that of Abyssinian natives stoning an Italian native soldier who is attached to tlie Italian Consulate there. Against this Italy has officially protested. The incidents have led to a notable baldening of Italian opinion in the last twenty-four hours, and the popular belief now is fixed that a .settlement is only possible through arms.

U.S. EFFORT TOWARD PEACE. WASHINGTON, July 11. Suddenly changing its attitude, the Urpted State Administration to-day appeared to lie taking an active interest in the Italian-Ethiopian crisis, and to be prepared to exercise its influence to preserve peace.

MR EDEN’S APPEAL TO FRANCE. LONDON, July 12. Speaking on the Foreign policy debate in the Commons, the Minister for League of Nations Affiairs, Mr Anthony Eden, said: “The conciliation machinery having broken down, the Government lias been in consultation with the French Government regarding Abyssinia. There lias been no invitation on our part to France to join in economic sanctions agaist Italy, Britain’s endeavour was to discover whether France had any constructive suggestion to make to promote a settlement of the dispute. We have made "ur contributions. It is France's turn to make her’s.” COMMENT IN LONDON PRESS. Received this duv at 10.5 n.m.) LONDON. July 19. The “Guardian” savs there is not a s’liglo definite statement as to wliat the Government intends to do in Abyssinia. The League Commission should inouire into the business, and prove to Italy she cannot buv land for extending population at the price of all that the world gained in ko'-wlodge and experience in the Great War.