CLOSING THE DOOR

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 304, 21 November 1935, Page 9

CLOSING THE DOOR

THE DUCE IMPETUOUS. WISER COUNSELS PREVAIL. 4' EVENTS TO TAKE THEIR COURSE. (United' Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON, Nov. 20. The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent says that private information from Rome indicates that the Fascist Grand Council’s decision of November 17 would have been far more positive and sweeping but for the advice tendered Signor Mussolini by Signor Grandi and General Balbo. There is good reason to believe that Signor Mussolini intended drastic retaliatory measures against sanctionists, including the withdrawal of Ambassadors, the outcome of which must have been very dangerous. Fortunately, wiser counsels advising against closing the door on all hopes of conciliation prevailed. The Morning Post’s Rome correspondent says that as the Council adjourned until December 18, it can be assumed that Signor Mussolini now intends to let economic, military, and diplomatic events take their course for at least a month before committing the country to the critical decisions which he feels he may be forced to make. _ Meanwhile, Italian newspapers continue bitterly and scathingly to denounce sanctions, especially Britain’s leading part.' 11 Tevdre even threatens war against sanctionists if they go too far, saying that sanctions are an act of economic war. They can easily .become an act of war pure and simple. Tbe News-Chronicle’s Rome correspondent says that teachers have been ordered to din into schoolchildren’s minds tbe “injustice” of sanctions. Children must learn by heart the names of countries imposing sanctions. AMERICA’S POSITION. THREAT OF COUNTER-BOYCOTT. “A PECULIAR SILENCE.” WASHINGTON, Nov. 19. The peculiar silence in official circles regarding the threat from Rome of a counter-boycott of America if she followed the League in withholding exports of essential war materials should not bo interpreted as Government indifference in the matter. Rather, it would appear that the matter is so serious that reticence is being maintained while the situation is being carefullv considered. At a Press conference, President Roosevelt’s only response to questions regarding the threat was, “Oh, did they?” From other sources, however, it was learned that pressure may be exerted on American companies to reduce oil shipments to Italy. It is pointed out that the Government has a handy weapon to use if it desires, as most of the shipping lines employing tankers receive Government subsidies. The final decision will probably depend on whether President Roosevelt and Mr Cordell Hull (Secretary of State) are pleased with exporters’ efforts Voluntarily to curtail trade with Italy. It is understood that during the past fortnight tbe trade in petroleum, iron, etc., has slightly slackened. Nevertheless, some exporters appear determined to take the best advantage of the profitable market in war-time Italy. An example was afforded by a freighter leaving the Pacific Coast today with several thousand drums of aeroplane petroleum which is reported to have received a direct warning from Washington that she was sailing under her own risk. When the crew showed an inclination to heed the warning, they were persuaded to serve by the granting of double wages. The American Federation of Labour, has announced that it is supporting the President’s policy. _ A statement bv Mr William Green, its president, intimated that shore workers and sailors might strike against the handling of war cargoes for Italy. AN EARLY BATTLE. EXPECTED NEAR MAKALE. EMPEROR VISITS WAR ZONE. LONDON, Nov. 19. The British United Press agency representative at Asmara says that indications point to an early battle in which Ras Seyoum, in defiance of Ras Kassa’s orders, is expected to lead 30,000 warriors against the Italians near Makale. Ras Kassa declared that he was preparing the defence of the Kworarn area, south of Lake Ashangi, which offered better tactical advantages than Ras Seyoum’s sector, where the invaders have gained a strong foothold. Ras Seyoum retorted by ordering the drums to be beaten, rallying the troops to the colours, and sent a message to Ras Kassa, “It is my duty to remain in the Tembien area.” Meanwhile Abyssinian night raiders are harassing Italians in the Glieralta region between Makele and Hauzien. The British United Press agent at Addis Ababa says that after praying with his family in St. George’s Church at dawn, the Emperor Haile Selassie drove seven miles to Akaki aerodrome. An aeroplane- made a reconnaissance flight to ensure that no Italian machines were in sight, after which the Emperor entered the "cabin of tbe monoplane, which took off escorted by two biplane fighters. Haile Selassie is expected back shortly, _ but may explore the situation in Dessie. The Harar correspondent of the Times says that the Ogaden field radio, after weeks of silence, spoke to Harar from beyond Dagabur and announced that Ras Ayele, with Waiziro Assageditch, wife of Habtemikail, who insisted on going to the front, was moving south and had routed Italian Somalis. Ras Nasibu and Wehib Pasha have arrived at Jijiga and are optimistic regarding Ogaden, where Dedjamatch Abebe’s troops number 60,000. The Daily Mail’s Hargeisa correspondent says that Wehib Pasha later departed for the Sasa Baneli battle area, insisting on taking a hand after the recent Abyssinian defeat at Hananleh. The Exchange Telegraph Company’s Harar correspondent says that the assistant British Attache (Captain Taylor) and tbe Consul (Mr Chapman Andrews) have left for Jijiga to confer with Ras Nasibu and observe the latest phase of the Ogaden situation. Great reticence is being observed. The Daily Telegraph’s Addis Ababa correspondent says that the Emperor’s astrologists prophesy a decisive four days’ battle in December, ending in a complete Abyssinian vicy. with Haile Selassie leading the onslaught. Advice from Harar says that I itarauri Ayele, the Emperor’s chief huntsman, counter-attacked Italians between Annie and Corahai, inflicting losses and recapturing positions, including Anale.