King Country Chronicle. Saturday, September 14, 1935. BRITAIN DEFINES HER POLICY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXIX, Issue 4746, 14 September 1935, Page 4

King Country Chronicle. Saturday, September 14, 1935. BRITAIN DEFINES HER POLICY.

Described as the most important official statement by Great Britain since August, 1914, Sir Samuel Hoare, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, made clear his Government's policy regarding the attitude of Italy in the dispute with Abyssinia. Britain is still striving for a peaceful solution of the dispute, but if Italy refuses all overtures in this way, Britain will stand by the terms of the League covenant, and there is no possibility left for misunderstanding in the declaration of Britain's full acceptance of the obligations of League membership. At the same time Sir Samuel Hoare made it clear that while his country is prepared to give a lead in the settlement of the dispute, that leadership was not sole acceptance of responsibility, and an appeal was made to the other signatories to the covenant to also honour their obligations. France has been facing two ways when dealing with the disute, but there is now some chance of that, country adopting a firmer policy, and its policy is likely to be favourable now that it is announced that Signor Mussolini is re-

poi-ted to have sought the co-opera-tion of Herr Hitler in an attempt to upset any decision that the League may arrive at. It is a vital test for the League, but provided the other members will recognise their responsibilities in this matter there is still some hope that war will be averted. It is stated that Italy is awaiting the final decision of France with anxiety, but reports from Italy indicate that Signor Mussolini will not deviate from his war-like policy. He seems determined to absorb Abyssinia in its entirety, even though nearly the whole world is against him, and his country is facing bankruptcy and cannot obtain outside credit. There are some curious features in this dispute which affects the whole world and civilisation generally. It is reported that Austria is supporting Italy, yet should Signor Mussolini make war on Abyssinia in defiance of Italy's obligations, Germany would most likely follow suit by an attempt to gain control of Austria. Then again France criticises Britain for not taking a firmer stand at the beginning of the Italo-Abyssinian dispute. If any country has shown a vacillating policy in this matter it is France, who has been running with the hare and hunting with the hounds. Britain has received no support from France up to the present, whereas if she had adopted a firmer policy the present crisis would not have reached such an acute stage. -The French Prime Minister has been in telephone communication with the Italian dictator, and the report is that if Signor Mussolini does not modify his demands France will align herself with Britain. The true position, however, is uncertain. There are 450 Press representatives at Geneva, and everyone seeking a news "scoop," so it can be taken for granted that many of the reports coming to hand are due to an imaginative brain. At the same time the report of Sir Samuel Hoare's speech can be taken as authentic in every detail. Britain stands for a peaceful settlement of the Italo-Abyssinian dispute, and if this is. not possible then she will seek the co-operation of France and other countries loyal to the League in applying the sanctions. In his speech Sir Samuel recognised the disadvantages of some countries in not being able to obtain raw materials from colonies and has thrown out the hint that Britain is willing to discuss this matter through the League of Nations. Signor Mussolini has now been made conversant with Britain's policy, and his decision will be-a momentous one for the world and civilisation generally. He has worked up the warlike passions of the people through radio broadcasts and a disciplined Press, but can use the same means for subduing those passions. The next few weeks will decide whether there will be war, and the result will be awaited with anxiety throughout the world, for any outbreak cannot be confined to Italy and Abyssinia.