PLEDGE TO SANCTIONS?

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 247, 16 September 1935, Page 7

PLEDGE TO SANCTIONS?

M. LAVAL’S SPEECH. IMPORTANCE OF SUEZ CANAL. LONDON, Sept. 14. “What is the storv behind M. Laval’s speech ?” The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent understands that M. Laval transmitted the first draft to Signor Mussolini on Thursday and that the text was afterward substantially altered and made more emphatic in support of the League. The Geneva correspondent of the Times says: The speech does not necessarily mean that' M. Laval is yet inclined to pledge himself to the hilt on the question of sanctions. These will, if applied, begin with cconomio and financial measures. The Manchester Guardian’s Geneva correspondent says: I am able to say that M. Laval lias definitely pledged the French Government to participate in economic and financial sanctions if the attempt at conciliation fails. 1 understand M. Laval has given an undertaking to Signor Mussolini that France will not join in any but these sanctions as long as he is Prime Minister. Signor Mussolini has said that lie would not regard French participation to this extent as an unfriendly act. He believes that- such sanctions would not be effective. He and M. Laval appear to think that when Italy has won a victory and avenged Adowa negotiations could be resumed, but that does not appear to be the opinion of the British delegation. Signor Mussolini, on the other hand, fears the closing of the Suez Canal, which, cutting off the Italian army in Africa and depriving it of supplies, would compel speedy capitulation. Indeed, in the opinion of many well-informed people here, an ultimatum from Geneva threatening to close the Suez Canal in 24 hours would bring Signor Mussolini to liis knees.