LOAN AND ARMS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 253, 23 September 1935, Page 8

LOAN AND ARMS.

■ ABYSSINIA’S REQUEST. PROPOSAL TO BRITAIN. (Times Cables.) Received September. 23, 12.50’ p.m. LONDON, Sept. 22. The Times Addis Ababa correspondent says: “Italy’s rejection ol the League’s final effort for peace by discussion with the parties proves that negotiation in a reasonable atmosphere is ending,” said the Emperor Haile Selassie, in a special interview. He added: War- is now only to be prevented by sanctions. In order to prevent the disturbance spreading throughout the world they should comprise the economic isolation ot Italy, beginning with financial pressure on the lira, and an embargo on imports of primary materials, developing to a total cessation of commerce, accompanied by the closing of the Suez Canal to Italian transports and supplies. We also ask the Powers to collaborate with Ethiopia in supplying arms, munitions, aeroplanes, and officer instructors. Britain, said the Emperor emphatically, had taken the lead in the struggle for peace. not for Ethiopia’s sake but for world peace; but she must now realise that the arms embargo, however high the motives, only worked to strengthen Italy s position against Abyssinia. “Abyssinia, therefore, is justified in asking for a cessation of the embargo. 'She also aslis tor a loan negotiated in London, guaranteed on the Abyssinian Government’s shares in the Djibouti railway, and salt and similar monopolies. I make the proposals in the interests of peace and am convinced that a loan, plus the untouched secret silver war fund accumulated from Adowa and other indemnities, will make Italy think again before attacking a Power fairly backed byworld opinion,” lie added.