DEATH SENTENCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 205, 29 July 1935, Page 7

DEATH SENTENCE

OPINION OF ITALY. ON ABYSSINIA’S FATE. LONG WAR POSSIBLE. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received July 29, 9.10 a.m. ROME, July 28.

Tho newspaper 11 Tevero declares that Abyssinia is condemned to death. No foreign intervention can save her. it adds: It is sad that civilised nations should try to supply her with munitions, which is tantamount to pumping n little oxygen into a dying body. By the end of September Italy will have half a million soldiers and sufficient munitions for a two years’ war in Abyssinia. Foreign obstruction will no more influence the efficiency of the Italian military machine than the closing of the Suez Canal.

TOLL OF SICKNESS

ITALIANS AFFECTED.

Received July 29, 11.15 a.m. DJIBOUTI, July 28.

A French transport landed four light guns, munitions, and barbed wire as local defensive measures in the event of ltalo-Abyssinian hostilities.

European residents believe that twenty Italians are dying of illness at Eritrea daily. The Italians admit six to ten deaths daily. It is estimated that 5000 invalids have been evacuated from the frontier.

LEAGUE COUNCIL MEETING

ATTITUDE OF ITALY

ROME, July 27. Italy has notified the League that her attendance at the Council meeting depends on whether Abyssinia replies favourably to the Italian request to continue the work of the conciliation commission. The Italian reply assumes that the Council’s only object will be to study methods to enable the commission to resume its work, which is interpreted to mean that Italy will not attend if other matters are introduced.

A later message states that it is understood that Italy will not attend the Council meeting if Abyssinia does not reply to her Xotc. If Abyssinia replies, whether favourably or unfavourably, Italy will attend, although, if Abyssinia insists on reopening' frontier questions, Italy will ask the Council to note that tho negotiations have ended and there is no further need for discussion.

THE ABYSSINIAN VIEW

DUTY OF THE LEAGUE.

DJIBOUTI, July 27. Tho Emperor of Abyssinia, Hailie Selassie, in a statement declared: — “Abyssinia .from the beginning lias striven for a peaceful, complete, and impartial settlement. “Italy admits the principle of arbitration," but renders its application doubly impossibly by denying the arbitrators’ right to interpret the treaty of 1908 regarding frontiers, and openly preparing for war and'occupying Ethiopian territory. “It is tlie League Council’s duty to uphold tho Covenant and maintain troaties of peace; also to say whether a member of tho League has a right to attack a fellow member’s territory and menace its sovereignty and independence; also whether a member may resort to arms for political expansion and conquest. Wo confidently await the decision.”

DIPLOMATIC EXCHANGES,

CONTINUANCE PLANNED,

(British Official Wireless.) Received Julv 29. 10.39 iv.m. RUGBY, July 27,

The meeting of the Council of the League of,Nations next week, at which it is hoped that important progress may he made towards a solution of the Ita'lo-Abyssinian dispute, has not caused any interruption of the diplomatic exchanges between London, Paris, and Rome, in which the British Government are co-operating with a view to facilitating a peaceful settlement. These efforts will be continued by Mr R. A. Eden when he goes to Geneva.

ARBITRATION AGREEABLE. ABYSSINIAN INDICATION. Received Julv 29, 11.15 a.m. GENEVA. July 28. Abyssinia has notified the League of her willingness to resume the arbitration with Italy regarding the frontier dispute. THE POPE’S ATTITUDE. “NOT TAKING SIDES.” Received Julv 29, 11.15 a.m. VATICAN CITY, July 28. His Holiness the Pope broke his silence about Abyssinia in connection with the preliminary beatifications of Justin De Jacobis, the Apostolic Delegate to Ethiopia, who died in 1860. The Pope urged his hearers to hope for peace and expressed tire belief that nothing would occur contrary to justice and compassion. Vatican circles emphasise that the Pope is not taking sides. It is realised from the viewpoint of evangelisation that the Catholic Church isanxious to extend its influence to Abyssinia. Catholics in Eritrea number about '25,000 ; and there are only 2500 in the whole of Abyssinia. UNITED STATES INTEREST. TWO CHIEF POINTS. WASHINGTON, July 27. President Roosevelt, in a Press interview, again defined his policy regarding the Italo-Ethiopian crisis. He said it was based on two points : j First his “good neighbour” policy, designed to maintain friendly relations with all nations; and, secondly, the efforts of diplomatic agencies to keep the United States from becoming involved in specific cases not directly con- , corning the United States. | He added that the possible hostili- 1 ties in Africa concerned the United States to the extent that they endangered world peace, for which the | United States support of the Kellogg-j Briaiul Pact was reiterated, but he indicated that no actual diplomatic advance would be made if the controversy led to war. A DANUBTAN PACT. • FRANCO-ITALIAN PLAN. ROME, July 27. The Italian and French Governments have submitted to Austria, llun-

gurv, and the Little Entente definite proposals for a Danuhian pact. These include an affirmation of Austrian independence and an affirmation of non-interference in others’ internal affairs. The pact also provides for consultations in the event of any signatories breaking the pact. The proposals will also be communicated to Britain, Poland and Germany.