LEAGUE FAILURE

Hokitika Guardian, 6 May 1936, Page 5

LEAGUE FAILURE

BRITISH VIEW

MR EDEN’S STATEMENT.

(Per British Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, May 4

An important debate on foreign affairs is expected in the' Commons on Wednesday. The subjects Which will probably be raised include the position in regard to sanctions, in operation against Italy, the future of the League of Nations, and the questionnaire which is being sent to Germany (this week. Newspapers also anticipate that the Austrian .situation will be raised. A statement on the situation in Abyssinia was made by the Foreign Secretary in reply to private notice of the question in the Commons. Mr Eden said: “The Emperor informed Sir S. Barton that he had renounced the direction of affairs which he had conlided to his Council of Ministers. In communicating this message, tihe Emperor made it clear his wish was to proceed with his family to Palestine. His Majesty’s Governent felt it encumbent upon them to grant this request,; and so far- as lay in their JimVef ,to facilitate the passage of the ‘party l t-b Jerusalem. They, therefore, Communicated with the French' Gov'brilmtent who expressed.a'’readiness to give effect to whatever wishes'tlie’Emperor might ' express as ll tb his’ 'further destination. His Government ordered the cruiser Enterprise to proceed to Djibouti to convey the Emperor and party direct to Haifa, The Emperor will be naturally expected, while in Palestine, not to participate in any way in furtherance of hostilities.

The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary received a deputation from the League of Nations’ Union. Both Ministers They • emphasised that the Government will have to take stock of the League’s position, in tlie light of ; the. apparent failure of collective ' action in the Italo-Ethiopian

dispute*. i The question of the reform of the Covenant would need very careful consideration.

I,i ' : —: STATEMENT’S CAUSE, SENSATION

i l.pN D()X, May 5.', . The statements of. Messrs Baldwin and'-Eden regarding .the League of Nations' have caused a . sensation in politick! circles, [ •'

The ' “Daily Mail” says the statement is interpreted as meaning the collapse of the League as it at present is constituted. •, Professor Gilbert Murray, who wasa member of the deputation to Ministers," speaking later at Oxford, revealed that. Air Baldwin had confessed to' “bitter - humiliation” at the: Leagive’s failure to save Abyssinia. "Exceptional interest is therefore centred in ,t,p-piori;ow’s foreign affairs debate in the House, of Commons, in which it is . suggested, Air ,Eden may. indicate proposals,.,ofi the British G ov “i eminent for the reform of the League., The “Daily Herald” declares Messrs Baldwin and Eden’s i statement has gravely alarmed the Labour Party, whose executive is meeting to-day to consider its attitude.

A QUESTION RAISED

MUSSOLINI’S INTENTIONS

(Received this day at 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Alav 5

The “Telegraph’s” . Diplomatic correspondent says now there is no effective government in Abyssinia, and the Emperor has ( admitted defeat, it is questionable whether,''Abyssinia can expect to- bes.-invited tto>;sit at tne. -League , Council • table., and there'- is np precedent on'which a ruling can be based.: ' •' •'

It .jis ii believed that Mussolini will establish a regime similar to the French in Morocco, with with General Grazini,

as Governor. It is also believed that Alussolini’s next aim will be to remove

Italo-British tension

It i s not believed in London that the League’s failure to protect a weak victim will result in wholesale resignations by other small States, though if, is possible some other American States may withdraw.