APPEAL TO UNITE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 198, 20 July 1935, Page 7

APPEAL TO UNITE

BY ABYSSINIAN EMPEROR. THE ITALIAN INVADER. “BETTER TO DIE FREE." (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received July 20, 9.40 a.m. ADDIS ABABA, July 19. “Ho who dies for his country is a happy man,” declared the Emperor of Abyssimaj after a review of his troops, in an appeal to young and old men and women to unite against the invntter. He added: It is better to die free than live as slaves. Signor Mussolini has declared that Italy is on a civilising mission. He wants to exclude a peaceful solution. He wants a bloody settlement of the old Adowa affair. BRITISH POLICY. NOT SOLE POLICEMAN. LONDON, July 19. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Home Office (Captain D.' Euan Wallace), speaking at Malton, declared that the Government did not intend to ho tire League’s sole policeman. “it is not going to be stampeded by belligerent pacifists into aggressiveness regarding the ltalo-Abyssinian dispute,” he said. FRANCE PLAYS SAFE. ITALY’S FRIENDSHIP FIRST. LONDON, July 18. The Paris correspondent of the Morning Post says that France considers that whatever the rights or wrongs of the ltalo-Abyssinian dispute, the whole problem is of secondary importance compared with the European situation, for a satisfactory solution of which the co-operation of Italy is essential to her, especially regarding the Austrian problem. France will not, therefore, consent to risk the friendship of Italy on account of Abyssinia, though the question of a League principle is involved. Abyssinia’s conquest by Italy, in the French view, woifkl be a lesser blow to the League than the Italian exit from Geneva. JAPAN INTERESTED. PREVIOUS REPORTS DENIED. Received July 20, 9.40 n.m. TOKIO, July 19. The Foreign Minister has announced that Japan is specially interested in Abyssinia economically and could not remain unconcerned in the possibility of war. Statements that Japan had assured Signor Mussolini that she would not interfere in Abyssinia are officially denied. PAY OF THE TROOPS. INCREASED BY DUCE. ROME, July 19. Signor Mussolini is aiming to maintain the morale of the troops in East Africa by increasing their pay. Privates are now receiving lsjkl a dav, as compared with Is 0 3-od m Italy; corporals, 2s; and corporalmajors, 2s 4d. If they are serving in Somaliland the troops receive an .additional 4d each, also increased rations and improved x>ostal services.