CONFUSION AT GENEVA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 254, 24 September 1935, Page 7

CONFUSION AT GENEVA

COUNTER-PROPOSALS DENIED

ITALIAN VIEW UNACCEPTABLE

LEAGUE COUNCIL MUST ACT

(United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph. —Copyright.) Received September 24, 9.10 a.m. GENEVA, Sept. 20. Though the Committee of Five has not issued an official announcement of the rejection of Signor Mussolini’s counterproposals, such a course is stated to be clear from the discussions. One committeeman admitted that the situation was very difficult and practically hopeless.

A strange turn is an official denial from Rome that Baron Aloisi submitted any proposals, but merely discussed Saturday’s Italian communique with Senor De Madriaga.

The Associated Press special Geneva correspondent says that Baron Aloisi made a verbal explanation of the Italian point of view to Senor De Madriaga, but did not formally submit counter-proposals.

Lingering hopes that the explanation might have left some loopholes for further efforts by the Committee of Five were dispelled by the news that Senor De Madriaga gave the committee.

The committee delayed communicating- with the Council as long as possible in the hope that it (the committee) might prove a more acceptable negotiating body to the Italians than the Council, but the Council must now take up the matter and decide the next procedure. The Italian observers negatively reiterated their claims for predominance in Abyssinia, all of which the committee had previously ruled out.

A Rome message declares that the official spokesman says the diplomatic exchanges are continuing with greater intensity. This is interpreted to mean that Signor Mussolini will use M. Laval (France) as an intermediary.

DUCE’S PLAN REJECTED.

ABYSSINIA TRACTABLE,

REGARDED AS UNACCEPTABLE.

WILLING TO NEGOTIATE.

SETTLEMENT HOPES REDUCED

REPORT AS BASIS. Received September 24, 12.25 p m. GENEVA, Sept. 23. The Abyssinian reply to the Committee of Five, published to-night, states that it is willing to immediately open negotiations on the basis of the Committee’s proposals. It emphasises that Abyssinia is resolved to abide by its undertakings, especially in respect of slavery, and is prepared to negotiate a territorial adjustment on the basis of exchange on terms advantageous to all parties. It is realised that the League is disinterestedly desirous of assisting Abyssinia to develop her resources and improve her social conditions, and to this end such assistance must be collective and international, reserving to the Emperor the right to veto foreign advisers.

GENEVA, Sept. 22; The Committee of Five rejected Signor Mussolini’s counter-proposals as unacceptable and unsusceptible of discussion within the framework of the Covenant. The Committee decided to refer the whole dispute back to the Council, to which it will report the whole of the negotiations, including Abyssinia’s offer of acceptance of the Committee’s plan as a basis of settlement.

Senor De Madriaga will see the parties this afternoon, hut there is little hope of a change, since _ Italy objects to almost every point in the plan. it _is understood that Signor Mussolini is annoyed because the Committee ignored his accusations against Abyssinia. Dr. Tecla Hawariat, the Abyssinian delegate, told the British United Press correspondent that the Emperor would never agree to Italy’s proposals that the High Commissioner must be an Italian and that there must be an Abyssinian demobilisation. It is believed the Committee will report to-morrow to the Council and meet later in the day. The Geneva correspondent of the Times says that the Italian counterclaims included a demand for the separation of non-Amharic territories in Abyssinia from Amharic lands, and the placing of them under Italian control .

The reply also notes the AngloFrench undertakings in respect of Italy’s special interests. Abyssinia says this matter is solely one concerning Britain, France, and Italy.

DOOR STILL OPEN.

FRESH BASIS YET POSSIBLE.

COMMITTEE ISSUES STATEMENTS.

(British Official Wireless.)

Received September 24, 11.37 a.m. RUGBY, Sept. 23. The verbal communication made by Baron Aloisi to Senor De Madriaga puts forward what are described as counter-proposals in reply to those contained in the Committee’s report. The view expressed at Geneva is that these counter-proposals go far beyond anything which tire Emperor of Abyssinia would freely accept, or which could be reconciled with the principles of the League and with the rights of Abyssinia as a member of the League. It is recognised that Italy’s official reply' to the Committee’s proposals still keeps the door open for negotiations. It is remarked that the delay, affords an opportunity for negotiations, and responsible newspapers counsel patience. The League Council’s Sub-Commit-tee of Five has issued the following statement: —“The Committee took note of the affirmative reply received from Abyssinia to its proposals, and also examined the Italian reply and its accompanying observations. The Committee decided to report to the Council on the whole situation as it appears from the documents and information.” It is understood that all the members of the Committee agreed that the observations accompanying the Italian reply were not qualified for discussion within the framework of the Covenant.

The prospect of settlement now appears to have vanished, for the proposals go far beyond anything 'Abyssinia will freely accept. Moreover, they cannot be reconciled with the principles of the League Covenant and the rights of Abyssinia as a League member, and are practically, a repetition of Italy’s demands since the beginning of the dispute. If enforced they would mean latlian military domination, which the League Council, especially Britain, regards as unacceptable in any circumstances.

COMMENT ON DICTATOR

“FORM OF IRRESPONSIBILITY.”

LONDON, Sept. 23.

The Times, in a leader, says: Perhaps it is not unfair to believe that Signor Mussolini is itching to prove that Fascists are fighting men _ and would almost be disappointed with a bloodless triumph. Js the dictator living in an atmosphere of adulation fatal to judgment? None need credit the ridiculous rumours that the Diice is “off his head” but there is a form of irresponsibility not far removed from madness to which all autocrats are liable when they cut themselves from public opinion. This has been aggravated by the violence of the anti-British campaign in the Italian Press. British battleships do not intend to throw shells on Naples and Venice; the ships are there to maintain peace, guarantee the security of Mediterranean routes, and deal promptly and effectually with any incident which might set Europe ablaze. Mr Baldwin will consult his principal colleagues to-day. Cabinet will meet to-morrow.

It is believed 'the Abyssinian reply was made without any formal reservations, as the proposals were only a basis for discussion. Later the Committee of Five issued the text of the Note communicated last week by Senor De Madriaga to the Abyssinian and Italian delegations. It explains that, in its work, the Committee was guided, first, by the necessity of respecting the independence, territorial integrity, and security. of all League members; secondly by the need to maintain good neighbourly relations between them. After recalling that the Abyssinian Government had assumed special obligations, particularly regai/ding slavery and traffic in arms, on being admitted to the League, it goes on to outline the form in which the League might extend to the Ethiopian Government collaboration and assistance on a collective international basis to enable it to undertake the wide measure of constructive action necessary not only to improve the lot of the Abyssinian people, but also to enable the Empire to live in harmony with its neighbours. The Note includes the FrancoBritish protocol recording the. willingness of the French and British Governments to facilitate territorial adjustments such as might contribute to a settlement, and also readiness to recognise special Italian economic development of Abyssinia and look with favour on the conclusion of economic agreements between Italy and Abyssinia. ■ It is expected that the Committee of Five will meet again to-morrow morning to consider its report to the Council. The report will be completed as early as possible and the Council may meet on Wednesday to receive it. According to a Geneva message, some people still” believe that a fresh basis for further discussions with the Italian Government may yet be found. CABINET TO MEET. The Prime Minister returned to London yesterday from Chequers and it is expected that all the members of Cabinet will be present to-morrow at the first meeting of Cabinet since j

The Daily Mail’s Romo correspondent says that Signor Mussolini _ unexpectedly summoned tire Ministers and conferred with them all day.

A “PLEASANT” TALK

DUCE AND AMBASSADOR

Received September 24, 12.50 p.m. ROME, Sept. 23. Sir Eric Drummond (British Ambassador) called on Signor Mussolini and conveyed a special message from Sir Samuel Hoare (Foreign Secretary). The talk, which lasted an hour, is described as “particularly pleasant.” The Italian Government has issued a decree announcing that huge additional appropriations for “colonial purposes” include the army £25,000,000, navv £2,500,000, air force £5,000,000, and colonies £17,000,000.

DEPOSED KING

CLOSELY GUARDED,

Received September 24, 9.30 a.m, ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 23

Presumably fearing he might be useful in Italy’s bands, the Emperor has tightened the precautions to prevent the escape of Lij Jassou, the deposed King of Abyssinia, who has been a prisoner for twelve years in a mountain fortress. Jassou, who is a figurehead to Ethiopian Moslems, is permitted any luxury, including champagne, literature and a gramophone, but he is linked by a gold chain on his wrist with a guard, who is threatened with death if his charge escapes.

August 22. In the interval there have, however, been several informal meetings of Ministers, including those responsible for the defence departments.

ABYSSINIAN FORCES

INCLUSION OF EX-PIIISONERS,

•Received September 24,' 12.5 p.m. ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 22. The Emperor is extending a free pardon to 50,000 prisoners and fugitives from justice, excepting murderers, on condition that they join the army. Many of those pardoned have shown exemplary bravery and served with distinction in previous campaigns.

It is estimated that Abyssinia is now able to mobilise over a million men, but it is impossible to arm all with lilies.

AUSTRALIAN COMMENT

CO-OPERATION WITH BRITAIN

CANBERRA, Sept. 23. The Prime Minister (Mr J. A. Lyons), in the House of Representatives, and Sir George Pearce (Leader of the Government), in the Senate, to-day made statements in regard to the Italo-Abyssinian situation in identical speeches which dealt with the immediate cause of the present dispute, Italy’s complaints against Abyssinia and the efforts of the League Conciliation Commission to bring about a settlement. The Prime Minister explained in detail in wliat circumstances sanctions would have to be applied. He reiterated that Mr Bruce had been instructed on August 30 that the policy of the Commonwealth Government was close co-operation with the United Kingdom Government for continued efforts to settle the dispute by peaceful means and for the maintenance of the principles of the League. “The Commonwealth Government, ho said, “is convinced that the upholding of the principles of collective security is essential to world peace. Nevertheless, it desires to point out that none of the provisions of the Covenant has been violated by either Italy or Abyssinia. The Government feels that discussion of these matters should not at this juncture assume that either country will violate any League obligation. It is therefore unwise to anticipate any breach or announce in advance the course of action to be followed by the Commonwealth Government in contingencies the nature and circumstances of which cannot at present be foreseen. “The Government feels strongly that it should not either by word or action embarrass those who are earnestly striving to effect a peaceful settlement.”

LABOUR VIEWPOINT.

NON-PARTICIPATION IN WAR.

CANBERRA, Sept. 23. Both the Federal and New South Wales Labour Parties to-day unanimously decided to oppose to the utmost the participation by Australia in any circumstances in any war arising from the dispute between Italy and Abyssinia.

Leaders of both Labour wings, when speaking in the debate on the Abyssinian question initiated by the Prime Minister (Mr J. A. Lyons) made Labour’s position quite clear. Mr F. M. Forde, who is likdly to succeed Mr J. H. Scullin as Leader of the Federal Labour Party, said: Our attitude is that Australia must keep free from entanglements leading to a repetition of the 1914-18 horrors. Mr J. A. Beasley (Leader of the New South Wales Labour Party) said that Australia must declare and maintain a policy of absolute isolation and strict neutrality.