BOMBINGS CONTINUE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 112, 13 April 1936, Page 7

BOMBINGS CONTINUE.

EASTERTIDE DISTURBANCES. Received April 13, 11.30 a.m. GENEVA, April 12. The Abyssinian statement in reply to the appeal of the Committee of Thirteen that both belligerents observe the laws of warfare declares that “Ethiopia lias strictly adhered to international agreements, ami has also refrained from all reprisals despite the Italian flagrant and systematic violations thereof. However, possibly isolated individuals have reacted against the Italian inhumanities, but the Government lias severely punished such lapses.” Signor Suvich’s renlv represents the Italian attitude. A further Italia.n statement .declares that the Pole, Dr Belau, a prisoner in the hands of the Italians, who compelled him, under threat of death, to sign a false! statement concerning the bombing of the American lied Cross Hospital at Dessie, is not a doctor but a Polish deserter. It adds that the declaration he spontaneously handed to the Italians who treated him at Massawa was written and signed voluntarily. International legal experts, commenting on the Italia.n threats to again press their claims regarding Abvssinian atrocities, emphasise tl\at reprisals become illegal if they contravene agreements. An Adclis Ababa communique says that while the population of Warra Na.ilu 40 miles south-west of Dessie, were celebrating Easter, many worshipping in the churches, Italian ’planes heavily bombarded the town. At least three were killed and five wounded. Crowds rushed from the churches and took refuge in the surrounding forest. The attack is believed to be the latest Italian attempt to discover Haile Selassie’s whereabouts. Italian ’planes bombed and gassed Sasa Baneli on Good Friday