AFRICAN ISSUE

Hokitika Guardian, 3 August 1935, Page 5

AFRICAN ISSUE

GENEVA REVIEW DIPLOMATIC CONFERENCE. '(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, August 2. The Australian Associated Press correspondent says: “Geneva has e.xpenienced a day of “streamlined” diplo- ■ inaey. Britain’s minimum requirements 'were included in the Anglo-French draft resolution.' These requirements were: Firstly, the continuation of the 'conciliation procedure; secondly, that neither Italy nor Abyssinia should meanwhile resort to arms; thirdly } the appointment of a fifth arbitrator to the Conciliation Commission, which should report on September 2; fourthly, that the signatory Powers of the 1906 Treaty with Abyssinia should assist in settling the dispute, the report on which Powers should be submitted to the League Council on September 4. ; “Signor Mussolini, by telephone, objected to Britain’s second point, and also to Abyssinian representation a# the signatory j Powers’ foil for cm c. Thereupon M. Laval (French Foreign Minister) rang up the Du Co; and urged his reconsideration. ‘ ’

“Signor Mussolini, hP'tho afternoon, submitted counter proposals; Winch Mr A. Eden (British Munster) passed- on to London, where they were rejected. Mr Eden and M.’ Laval then conferred with the Italian delegates to the League, M. Aloisi, tor an nour and a lialf. It appeared that Italy insisted that the discussion proposed under the 1906 Treaty, should not he under the League auspices; but it is believed that a compromise was then reached, .whereby the clause in the resolution concerning the 1906 Treaty should be .dropped, the Powers at the same time siffirming a readiness to negotiate with Abyssinia in the spirit of that Treaty at either Paris or home.,, which, it is. hoped, will enable a; settlement to be reached , to-morrow.

“The Abyssinians remained iji. the background during the day. Hawarist, the Abyssinian representative, was not informed. ■of the consultations beyond receiving a.-copy of the draft Resolution. ? 'Apparently, he was content to y, atcli proceedings/■

M. Aloisi, later, informed Mr Eden and ML Laval that Bignor 1 Mussoiiui would 'reply ’to the drVtft resolution tomorrow. This, however, does not affect the expectation that Italy may partially compromise on her earlier (injections in the face of British and French pressure. Both Britain and France.arb insistent,oh keeping the proceedings under the League auspices, even if.’the.,League is not the actual instrument thereof. “Mr Eden ;and M,. Laval dined together., M. Lavaj afterwards returned to liis,;hotel in high, spirits, it appears that Mr Eden and M. Aloisi have reached-, an agreement, and are only ■waiting Signor Mussolini’s confirmation.

IT ALI AN PR EPA RAT 10 NS. LONDON, August 2. The “Times” Rome correspondent says ; “It can safely be predicted that, whatever formula may be agreed on at Geneva, Italy will not abandon her military preparations in East Africa.”