IN ABYSSINIA

Hokitika Guardian, 14 September 1937, Page 5

IN ABYSSINIA

LETTER TO LEAGUE SELASSIE’S CLAIM., (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). (Received this day at 10.30 a.in.) GENEVA, September 13. The Secretary-General has received a letter from ex-Emperor Selassie, stating he is unable 'to solid a delegation, hut lie continued to have faith in the League. Selassie scorns Italy’s claim to the effective occupation of Abyssinia. He declares that the Ethiopians’ active, passive resistance is untiringly growing. EFFECTS OF ITALIAN RULE. BRITISH WRITER’S STATEMENT LONDON, September 12. “Everywhere l am impressed by the harmony between the Europeans and the natives and the rapidity with winch good roads are being built along the main lines of communication,” writes Major E. W. Polson-Newman in the Daily Telegraph, describing the first British tour in Abyssinia since the Italian conquest.

“Natives are working in the fields and eEA'ding the markets,” lie adds, “while mules, donkeys and camels arc carrying the merchandise along new roads over the mountain passes.

“The most remarkable achievement is in the roads. There is a vast amount of construction to be done, which will take years to complete, but the heavest task on vital communications is already past the most difficult phase. Aeroplanes are used extensively in parts where muletracks were previously the only means of travel. “The first Italian families are expected to arrive, after the rains, at Oletta and Bisnoftu, where preparations are well ahead. In the best regions the soil is exceptionally fertile, the climate is almost similar to that of Europe, and there is plenty of ram, and many rivers.

“The landscapes resemble the Englislie countryside. General stores, European shops, cinemas and restaurants are transforming the appearance of the .principal to w ns.’*