Peaceful Settlement

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

Peaceful Settlement

Australia’s Policy in Dispute i Received Monclay, 11.30 pan. CANBERRA, Sept. 23, The Prime Minister (Mr. 0. A. Lyons) in the House of Representatives, and Sir George Pearce, leader of the Government in the Senate, to-day made statement in regard to the Italo-Abyssiniau 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 what circumstances sanctions would have to be applied. Ho reiterated that Mr. Stanley 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 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 cither country will violate any League obligations. It is therefore unwiso to anticipate auy breach or announce in advance the course of action to ire followed by the Commonwealth Government iu contingencies the nature and circumstances of which cannot at present be foreseen. The Government feels strongly that it should not cither by word or action embarrass those who are earnestly striving to effect a peaceful settlement. ’ ’

Never Again ! LABOUR UNANIMOUS against participation Received Monday, 10.30 p.m. CANBERRA, Sept. 83. Botli the Federal- and New South Wales Labour parties to-day unanimously decided to oppose to the utmost participation by Australia in any circumstances in any -war arising irom the disputo between Italy and Abyssinia. The leaders of both Labour wings when speaking in debate on the Abyssinian question initiated by the Prime Minister made Labour 's position quite clear. Mr. Fordo, who is likely to succeed Mr. Bcudlin, said: “Our attitude is that Australia must keep free from entanglements leading to a repetition of the 191-1-.18 horrors.’-' Mr. Beasley said: “Australia must declare and maintain a policy of absolute isolation and strict neutrality.”