Italy’s Reply

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 227, 26 September 1935, Page 7

Italy’s Reply

Abyssinia Outside Pale

MENACE TO HER NEIGHBOURS MUST BE CIVILIZED Received Thursday, 1.25 a.m. GENEVA, Sept. 25. The Committee of rive’s report confirms all the forecasts including Anglo-rrench willingness to make territorial concessions and the recognition of Italy’s special economic interests in Ethiopia. An appendix gives details of Baron Aloisi’s observations which are largely a repetition of his former criticisms that Abyssinian barbarity vitiates its League membership and therefore the dispute is unsettleablc under the Covenant which did not contemplate the case of countries unworthy ancl 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 Bower, 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.

Mussolini’s Reference To Covenant Articles {SPECULATION AROUSED GENEVA, Sept. 24. Signor Mussolini's reference to certain articles of the Covenant is causing renewed speculation. It is believed that they may indicate Article 19, under which a neutral zone may bo created between the Italian and Abyssinian armies during negotiations under the auspices of England and I’rance, and Article 22, which, deals wirSi the revision of treaties and mandates. Meanwhile the rainy season in Abyssinia has ended five days earlier than was expected.

Proxy Marriage for Italian Soldiers LONG CAMPAIGN LIKELY ROME, Sept. 24. Cabinet has passed a, number of important decrees affecting the army, inducting one allowing soldiers in East Africa to marry by proxy, as the forces will be absent .for a lengthy period and will not obtain furlough to enable them to legitimise illegitimate unions. The decree has made a deep impression, dashing people’s hopes of a short campaign.

No Reason for Change of British Policy MEETING OF CABINET (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Sept. 24. The first meeting of Cabinet since the special meeting on August 22 was held at Downing street to-day. The Prime Minister presided, and there was a full attendance of Ministers with the exception of Mr Anthony Eden, who is in Geneva. It is understood that Cabinet considered tho developments iu the international situation which have occurred since the last meeting, and it is assumed that the Foreign Secretary, Sir Samuel Hoare, iu reviewing tho present position, acquainted his colleagues with the impressions he gained on his visit, to Geneva, as well as with the latest reports received from Mr Eden. The attitude of his Majesty’s Government iu foreign affairs, and iu particular' towards tho disputo between Italy and Ethiopia, has been fully discussed by Ministers oil several occasions and was carefully explained iu Sir Samuel Hoare’s speech in. the League Assembly on September 11 and in his speech in the House of Commons on July 12, and it is believed that Cabinet found no reason to change iu any way the policy which it has been made clear in recent weeks enjoys tho almost unanimous support of all parties and sections of public opinion.

Sanctions Supported ECONOMIC, NOT MILITARY FRENCH LABOUR VIEW PARIS, Sept. 24, Tho General Confederation of Labour has passed a resolution in favour of economic sanctions against any country which acts as an aggressor, the secretary-general, M. Jouhaux, emphasising that the majority have agreed that military sanctions aro undesirable.

While the Bourse, having been persuaded that the trouble will be localised, is steadily recovering from last, .■peek’s pessimism, newspapers seg 3

greater menace to European peace iu Germany’s attitude towards Memc!.

A “ Devilish. ” Doctrine

LABOUR’S ISOLATION POLICY

Received Thursday, 12.20 a.m. CANBERRA, Sept. 25. During a debate in the Senate on the Abyssinian situation Labour Senator Collings submitted a proposal asking the Government to instruct its delegates to the League of Nations that the Commonwealth opposed any action imor committed likely to involve Australia in war.

Senator McLachlan, PostmasterGeneral, described the doctrine of Australia’s non-participation as “devilish.” It was tantamount to saying Australia should withdraw from the League and permit the Covenant to he treated as a scrap of paper. The proposal was negatived on a strictly party vote, Aggression in Europe BRITISH REPLY TO FRENCH INQUIRY (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Sept. 24. About two weeks ago tho French Government instructed the French Ambassador in London to make inquiry regarding the attitude of Groat Britain in the event of an act of aggression in Europe iu relation to collective security. The British reply will be handed to tho French Ambassador in tho course of the next few days, and after it has been received by the French Government i,t wiil be published.