British Reply to Italy

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 278, 25 November 1935, Page 7

British Reply to Italy

SANCTIONS PROTEST NO REOPENING OE TALKS (British. Official Wireless.) , RUGBY, Nov. 22. Signor Grandi, the Italian Ambassador m Loudon, called at tho Foreign Office this morning and was handed bj the Foreign Minister, Sir Samuel lloare, the B*ritisli reply to the Italian Government's Note protesting against the action of the League States in applying sanctions as a result ow Italy’s resort to war in Abyssinia in disregard of her covenants. The British Note refers to the Italian Note, of November 11, in which the Italian Government thought lit to draw attention to the responsibility entailed by the putting in force of the measures proposed by the League’s Committee of Co-ordination, and continues, ‘-In reply to the general observations advanced by tho Italian Government, his Majesty’s Government feels bound to emphasise that having itself taken part in the discussions at Geneva it is in a position to bear witness to the constant anxiety evidenced alike by- the Council, tho Assembly, and by other organs of the League of Nations, fully conscious as they have been of the gravity of their responsibilities, to carry out their duties in a spirit of impartiality and concede the utmost possible weight to tho legitimate interest of Italy.” ‘‘No Useful Purpose.”

‘‘llis Majesty’s Government is so convinced of tne accuracy of this estimate of the work already performed by the League of Nations in connection with tho ltalo-Etkiopian dispute that it feels no useful purpose would be served by reopening or recapitulating discussion of the questions raised in the Italian Note.

‘‘Liis Majesty’s Government must therefore content itself by recalling that on October 7 last delegates of all tho Governments represented on the Council, with the exception of the Italian delegate, confronted with the task of applyiug the provisions of tho Covenant, which are mandatory in character, to tho facts, which were not in dispute, leit themselves obliged to affirm that tho Italian Government had had recourse to war in violation of Article 12.

Will Accept Consequences. 1 ‘ Strong as is tho focling of friendship towards Italy which inspires the United Kingdom, his - Majesty’s Government felt itself bound to assent to the final decision and accept the consequences which must inevitably ensue. His Majesty’s Government does not conceal its anxiety to facilitate so far as lies in its power as a member State of tho Leaguo of Nations and at the carliost possible moment a settlement of the regrettable conflict now in. progress. ‘‘But it is unable wholly to pass over tho implication contained in the last paragraph of your Excellency’s Note under reply, which refers to the ‘free and sovereign judgment,’ which his Majesty’s Government is alleged to be at liberty to appjy to the determination of its course of action. His Majesty’s Government, in subscribing to the Covenant, did not indeed abandon or renounce its own free and sovereign judgment, but undertook to excreiso it tuoncoforth in accordance with the obligations of that instrument. . . No other attitude is open to it, and it would naturally dcsiro to see the Italian Government place a similar construction on its own adhesion to the Covenant.” The French Reply STAND BY COVENANT BARIS, Nov. 22. The French reply to the Italian Note emphasises that Franco is compelled to fulfil her obligations to the Covenant, and adds that sanctions cannot bo regarded as inimical to Italy. It stresses the League’s impartiality and tho complete observance of Italy’s legitimate interests.

I Oil Embargo Next RUSSIA STANDS BY SANCTIONS. Received Sunday, 9.50 p.m, l '- GENEVA, Nov. 24. Preliminary soundings by the ComII mittec of Eighteen indicate tho possibility of an embargo on oil to Italy to 3 become operative in mid-Docember. s PARIS, Nov. 23. I" 7 M. Laval received Signor Cerutti r (Italy) and later Sir H. Clerk (Britain). ’’ MOSCOW, Nov. 23. The Russian reply to Italy's protest against sanctions affirms that there is ( no hostility and defends the sanctions policy, expressing the opinion that any other course would have stultified the League principles. ROME, Nov. 23. The Italian spokesman, referring to tho Anglo-French Notes, says they are not surprising but close the door on conciliation at least for the present. He added if oil sanctions are imposed Italy would havo to "re-examine her f attitude," which is believed to refer to Italy’s memobrsliip of tho League. Mussolini and Sir Eric Drummond had a 20 minutes' conversation which | is officially described as perfectly satisfactory, but tho details are not dis"i closed. Italians, however, believe the 'j meeting eliminates the suggestion that _ the situation has reached a deadlock. Britain’s Reply Hurts Italians Received Sunday 10.30 p.m. ROME, Nov. 23. Tlic uncomprising terms of the British reply has hurt the Italians. The predominant feeling is that Britain is determined to slam tho door Italy is so painstakingly keeping open. The claim that Britain is only fulfilling her Covenant duties is greeted with impatience. lu that ease,, it is asked,

why docs she continuo to allow Japan daily to nibblo off bits of China. America’s Attitude » f • PRESSURE AGAINST EXPORT OP “WAR ESSENTIALS." Received Sunday, 9.50 p.m. WASHINGTON, Nov. 23. At a Press interview to-day Mr. Cordell Hull joined newspaper correspondents in a general discussion on the war trade situation from which America’s present policy can bo described in general terms as follows:—In addition to tho direct implements of war tho export of which is positively banned to both belligerents the Government will maintain a list of “war essentials," which follows tho list of goods recently named by Mr. Hull such as oil, copper, lorries, tractors, scrap iron, and scrap steel. There will be no legal embargo on their shipment, although such implements will be considered contrary to the "spirit" of the Neutrality Act, and if they appear excessive in relation to the normal export pressure will be suggested. Shipments of cotton to Italy appear to be booming, and Mr. Hull said that if the official figures proved such to be the case the question of adding cotton to the war essential list would In? considered. Thus tho Government's strategy appears to bo an attempt to freeze export materials needed for war at about tho normal volume without taking action that in Romo would be construed as punitive. Of course tho policy is equally applicable to both belligerents, but actually only Italy would bo affected.