WILL THE LEAGUE ACT?

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXX, Issue 4845, 14 May 1936, Page 4

WILL THE LEAGUE ACT?

The meeting of the League of Nations Council called to deal with the Italo-Abyssinian problem has been adjourned till the 15th June, but no reason has been given for the adjournment. The Italian representatives withdrew from the preliminary meeting because they objected to the presence of the Abyssinian delegates. This opens up very difficult complications for the League, which still recognises Abyssinia as a member, and it seems that the League will have to come to a decision without hearing Italy's point of view from an official standpoint. Such a

line of action will most certainly result in Italy's withdrawal from the League, though under the Covenant she is bound to give two years' notice. The resignation of Italy, however, may not be such a serious matter. She has already dishonoured her obligations, and is sure to do the same again if it suits her pux*pose. The League has been put to many severe tests during the last few years, but the decision to be made on this occasion is the most momentous in its history. If the j League gives in to Italy and allows her to retain her ill-gotten gains without something more than a protest, then it might as well pass into obscurity, which it undoubtedly will. It will not be worth any small nation's while to pay for protection through the League when that organisation has failed to carry out its obligations to safeguard Abyssinia, nor will it be any advantage to the large Powers like Britain to allow its national policy to be subservient to a body whose members only respect international agreements when it suits them. The League may decide to try and conciliate Italy, but this may only result in putting off the evil day. Signor Mussolini, by his utterances, has an ambition to become the predominant Power in the Mediterranean, a matter of vital importance to Britain, France and Spain, and many other countries. It is one of the problems of a dictator that he cannot rest on his laurels. He must carry on from strength to strength in order to win and hold popular support. A nation is usually united during war, but when it comes to paying the cost the people become discontented and look for a change in the administration. Signor Mussolini may therefore seek fresh fields for Italian expansion. The smaller Powers are seriously alarmed at this possibility, which may be the policy of other nations which are seeking expansion. On the other hand the League may decide to challenge Signor Mussolini's imperial policy. There is a considerable volume of opinion that the sanctions should be maintained and the pressure extended in this way. This would undoubtedly increase the tension in Europe, and might even provoke a conflict if the League members show the same weakness as in the past. And there is not any evidence at present to show that there is that complete unity in the League which warrants it embarking on such a coui'se. The position is one in which weakness and vacillation mean disaster; firmness in such a crisis means the prevention of war and the safeguarding of the national rights of the smaller nations.