Mussolini’s Counter-Proposals

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 225, 24 September 1935, Page 7

Mussolini’s CounterProposals

MEASURE OE CONTROL IN ABYSSINIA REJECTION BY LEAGUE ANTICIPATED LONDON, Sept. 23. A further development to-day,' the peaceful prospects of which* however, are doubtful, was a call by Baron Aloisi on Senor do Madariaga, iu tile course of which he made a communication from the Italian Government, which is believed to contain counterproposals which arc described as Signor Mussolini ; s real demands, hitherto undisclosed. Baron Aloisi. also called on Mr Anthony Eden and other representatives on the Conciliation Committee. It is understood that the proposals demand: — 1. The linking of Eritrea and Italian Somaliland by the cession to Italy of a large section of Abyssinian territory. 2. That any Abyssinian outlet to the sea shall be a corridor through Italian territory. 3. Demobilisation of the majority of the Abyssinian army, the remainder to be placed under Italian officers.

Signer Mussolini also repeated.. his assertion that so far he has rccen cd offers only of “deserts.” Leading statesmen at Geneva, privately declare that the demands arc utterly unsatisfactory .and will be rejected by the League. Moreover, it is pointed out that such a strong block of Italian territory surrounding Abyssinia on the cast might bo regarded with disfavour by Britain, while a corridor through Italian territory would place an Abyssinian harbour completely at Italy’s mercy. It is also believed that Italian military control of the Abyssinian army, with disarmament of the remainder, is equally objectionable. The Conciliation Committee will probably meet on Monday. M. Laval (France) is expected to attend.

The Leaders in Conference

Received .Monday, 10.-10 p.m. LONDON, Sept. 2d. The Prime Minister, Mr. Baldwin, will consult his principal colleagues,today and Cabinet will meet on Tuesday. The Daily Mail’s Romo correspondent says Mussolini unexpectedly summonhis Ministers and- conferred with them all day. Diplomacy Talks ! NO AGGRESSIVE INTENTIONS LONDON, September 22. The Foreign Office lias announced that the British Ambassador at Romo has called on Dr. Suvich. in order to communicate the movements of the British, licet and reinforcements of the Mediterranean garrisons. He explained that they were. hot intended to imply any aggressive intentions on. the part of the British Government. On the contrary the measures were taken as a natural consequence of the violence of the anti-British campaign in the Italian Press during the last few weeks. Dr. Suvick explained tho movements of Italian troops and added that he was authorised to declare that the Italian military preparations were solely precautionary; and without any aggressive aim.