ATTITUDE OF ITALY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 256, 26 September 1935, Page 7

ATTITUDE OF ITALY.

TOWARDS ABYSSINIAN NATION

POLICY OF SUPPRESSION

GENEVA, Sept. 25. The Committee of Five’s report confirms all the forecasts, including AngloFrench willingness to make territorial concessions and tho recognition of Italy’s speciaL economic interests in Ethiopia. The appendix gives details of Baron Aloisi’s observations, which are largely a repetition of his former criticisms that Abyssinian barabarity vitiates its League membership and, therefore, the dispute cannot be settled under the Covenant, which did not contemplate the case of countries unworthy and incapable of participation. Had some elasticity been allowed, even on the lines of the principles embodied in the mandates, a solution would have been brought nearer. ' The presence of foreign specialists in the police and gendarmerie has already raised the •Ethiopian forces to an efficiency menacing her neighbours, particularly Italy, whose need to defend her colonies and her mission in Africa the Committee completely ignored.

Baron Aloisi reaffirms Italy’s opposition to an Ethiopian outlet to the sea, which would make her a maritime Power, heightening her threat towards .Italy._ He emphasises Abyssinia’s incapacity to respect her international agreements and her League obligations. Italy contends that Abyssinia should be placed in such a position as not to injure her neighbours. Her administration should be reformed and the country should be raised to a higher leveL of. civilisation.