IMPORTANT STATEMENT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 243, 11 September 1935, Page 7

IMPORTANT STATEMENT

FOREIGN SECRETARY’S INTENTION ITALY REMAINS STUBBORN (United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received September 11, 9.45 a.m. LONDON, Sept. 10. The Associated Press special Geneva correspondent says that Sir Samuel Iloare (Foreign Secretary) at the League Assembly on Wednesday morning., will make a pronouncement of first-class importance on the Abyssinian question. Sir Samuel Iloare and Mr R. A. Eden had a long- conversation this morning, after which both saw M. Laval.

It is understood tliat Sir Samuel Hoare will base bis Assembly speech largely on the necessity for keeping British and French policy in step. Those in well-informed quarters deny there is any move for a League mandate over Abyssinia.

The British United Press correspondent says the Italians hint that they will ignore the findings of the Conciliation Committee which, in that case, will submit its recommendations to the Council under Article 15.

TRIAL MOBILISATION. IN, ITALY AND COLONIES. HUGE RESPONSE ANTICIPATED. Received September 11, 9.20 a.m. ROME, Sept. 10. Signor Mussolini has ordered preparations lor a trial mobilisation throughout Italy and the colonies as a demonstration of the country’s military strength. It is surmised that it will coincide with the beginning of the war in Abyssinia. It is estimated that twenty million men and boys will answer the summons of the syrens and bells, abandon their jobs ancl scamper in their iiniforms to tho nearest assembling point. . SEARCH FOR SOLUTION. ANGLO-FRENCH AGREEMENT. COMMITTEE AT WORK'. (British Official Wireless.) Received September 11, 11.7 a.m. RUGBY, Sept. 10. Sir Samuel Hoare and Mr R. A. Eden mot M. Laval again this evening in Geneva to continue their conversations. These discussions, which are regarded as manifesting the cordial spirit of co-operation and close community of ideas which exist between the British and French Governments, are assumed to be connected with the main problems before the League of Nations, and particularly the ItaloAbyssinian conflict, and to be directed towards harmonising the points of view of the two delegations in regard to procedure in various eventualities. The Committee of Five and their experts are still engaged in the study of the Italian and Abyssinian cases in order to be in a position to make a report to the Council on any settlement it may be found possible to recommend to the parties, with which the chairman of the committee (teener De Madariaga) is informally m touch Neither party has yet been befoie the committee. , , „„„ A variety of suggestions has bee put forward for a basis of peaceful settlement, and all these will l>e considered but meanwhile the Bntish dele tuition has denied reports that it proposed to the committee that an international mandate should be established over Abyssinia.

nativ© levies, with artillery, tanks, and big lorry convoys, are concentrating at Adiugri and Addikaie, also upon a third point which, in a fashion typical of Ethiopia, the Government cannot find on the maps inasmuch as the frontier river Mareb and mountain torrents are flooded and have not been negotiable for three weeks. The move is regarded as an Italian bluff for Geneva, but also may be part of the Italian military time-table.

The Daily, Mail’s Rome correspondent says that Italy denies that she is massing for an attack. It is pointed out that, although she has not formally undertaken to refrain from military measures while the conciliation committee is sitting, Italy will not launch an unprovoked attack while Geneva is examining the dispute. The French intend to do their utmost to keep the Djibouti railway line to Addis Ababa open to international traffic. EMPEROR WOULD CEDE TERRITORY. A copyright message to the Times from Addis Ababa says that, after a long consultation with his advisers, the Emperor is willing to cede part of Ogaden for payment or an equivalent grant of territory and to reopen negotiations which were abortive in lb2B for the construction of a road linking Addis Ababa, Dessie, and Assab.

GERMAN RELATIONS

INFERENCE FROM SPEECHES

LONDON, Sept. 10. Commenting on the speeches of the new Italian Ambassador to Berlin and Herr Hitler at the reception to the former, the Times, in a leader under the heading, “A Diplomatic Manoeuvre,” says: The words of the Italian Government through the mouth of its Ambassador have ail intention which can hardly be mistaken. If the justice of the Italian claims is nut recognised in some quarters she will seek recognition elsewhere, and if the Italian process of “strengthening power and national dignity” is properly understood and supported by Germany now the similar aspirations of Nazi Germany may expect© to be understood and supported later. The Berlin newspaper Tageblatt, on an obviously inspired note, says: Germany and Italy will know from experience how disregard of the vital needs of a nation causes unrest for the entire world. Foreign observers are therefore right in heeding the words of Signor Attolico and Herr Hitler, tliougn not in drawing further conclusions.

FRANCE IN SUPPORT.

IF SANCTIONS ADVISABLE

LONDON, Sept. 10. The Daily Telegraph’s Geneva correspondent says: “it can now positively k> stated that, if a position arises m which Britain feels the necessity foi sanctions, France will give uU support M. Laval is now convinced that no utnei course is possible.

’The Daily Mail’s Geneva correspondent says that the obvious implications come as a shock to the delegates. In the present relative proportions of armed strength in Europe France could not accept any system whereby Italy might 'be drawn into a hostile coalition. Signor Attolico’s words are regarded at Geneva as a reminder to France of what might happen if she votes for sanctions.

ITALIAN ATTACK.

POSSIBLY IN OCTOBER

KEEPING IN TOUGH,

DENIAL OF MASSING

SIR JAMES PARR’S TASK

LONDON, Sept. 10. A copyright message to the Times from Addis Ababa says the Ethiopian authorities are of the opinion that tne movements of the Italian forces fanwise from Amara to the centre of the Tigre frontier are to make room tor new troops expected at Massawa. Three roads from Amara threaten the Adowa plateau. The Tillies Rome correspondent says the Italian preparations in Abyssinia are incomplete. Many troops and much munitions have still to be embarked. It is thought that in the absence of unforeseen developments the most probable date of the opening of hostilities will be the first week in October. The News-Chronicle’s Addis Ababa correspondent says that the Italian concentration threatens the province of Agame and indicates a flank attack in an attempt to encircle Adowa and Askum. Black Shirt infantry and

LONDON, Sept. 10.

The special correspondent of the Associated Press at Geneva says that Sir James Parr will represent New Zealand on all five committees with Dr R. M. Campbell, economic adviser to the New Zealand Government, and Mr C. A. Knowles, as substitute delegates. Mr Do Valera has been elected president of the Assembly’s Political Commission.

DEFENCE OF MALTA.

PRECAUTIONS TAKEN

LONDON, Sept. 10.

The British United Press correspondent at Malta says that wire entanglements are being fixed in the shallow sandy bays along the coast, and more anti-aircrafts guns arc being installed at several points.