Abyssinia?

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 292, 11 December 1935, Page 5

Abyssinia?

Condoning a Felony

HALF OF ABYSSINIA BEING OFFERED -MUSSOLINI MAY ACCEPT” Received Tuesday, Midnight. LONDON, Dec. 10. The News-Chronicle's political correspondent says; Alarmed at the reports that the Hoarc-Lavaf proposals invoice handing over vast Abyssinian territory to Italy, the Opposition parties intend to demand Government explanations on Wednesday. Reports from Paris assert that the total area of Abyssinia being offered to Mussolini is 150,000 square miles, nearly half tho country. Sir Archibald Sinclair, on behalf cl the Liberals, and Mr Dalton. (Labour) will press the Government not to consent to territorial and economic concessions which will be unacceptable to Abyssinia. . Mr Dalton, interviewed, said: ‘lt the reported terms are correct they arc monstrous. It would be disastrous if wo were to condone a felony, and worse than a felony, namely, wholesale murder and treaty-breaking.” The Abyssinian Legation, in a statement declared: “We arc virtually being asked to give up our country to an unlawful invader. Wo will never do that.” . , According to the News-Chronicle strong criticism of tho proposals was voiced in Cabinet yesterday. The plan was eventually endorsed, but jt is stated the Ministers were not unammous.

The Ncws-Ohroniclo’s Romo correspondent says the latest information indicates that Mussolini may accept the proposals "as a basis of discussion.” The Pope is strongly urging him to give a favourablo reply.

Protest ancl Denial

ATROCITIES AT DESSIB ITALIAN COUNTER-CHARGES LONDON, Dec. 9. It is reported from Genova that the Abyssinian Foreign Minister has telegraphed to the League a copy of a declaration signed by seven international Red Cross doctors describing in detail the bombing of Dcssic, which the doctors ‘‘stigmatise before the whole civilised world.” Over forty explosive and incendiary bombs, it is stated, were dropped in an enclosure containing Red Cross dressing stations, scores of victims being killed and wounded. It is described as an atrocious and cruel demonstration contrary to all conventions.

A Rome message says it is semiofficially denied from Adigrat that bombing atrocities occurred at Dessie. It is asserted that the place was defended by 10,000 troops and that all the eighteen aeroplanes were hit by bullets. It is known that tho. Red Cross hospital did not contain wounded and was only sheltering combatants, nearly all the tents being marked with a Rod Cross. The bombing was limited tb points of military importance. The nurse and M. Georges Goyon, the French journalist, who wero reported as wounded, were actually the victims of the Abyssinians' firing.

A communique issued iu Rome says that a flying-officer was killed whefi Abyssinian troops fired on Italian aeroplanes from the Somaliland fiont. The officer was attacking troops between Filtu and Negclle, north-west of Dolo. Tho machines, after bombing an enemy encampment, returned to their base.

Further Bombing “ITALIAN PLANES FIRED ON. HOME, December 9. A communique- says that a flying officer was killed when tho Abyssinian troops fired on Italian planes from planes from the Somaliland front, which were attacking troops between. I'iltu and Lege He, north-west of Dolo. The machines, after bombing the enemy encampment, returned to the base

Speech by Duce ROME, Dee. 9. Despite tho tense excitement of Senators, in the presence of tho Crown Prince and four ltoyal Dukes iu the gaiicrics, Signor Mussolini disappointed those' expecting an important pionouucement, and spoke for only two minutes, merely thanking the Senate for its resolution. The Italian people, lie said, had not before placed such faith in the Duce, who interpreted the will of the entire nation.. "I oau assure you that Italy’s African and European interests will be strenuously defended,” he added, and sat down amidst thunderous applause. The Government news broadcast significantly referred to the I’aiis pro posals, stating that it is believed Signor Mussolini will soon instruct Baron Aloisi to go to Geneva, as official quarters in Paris believe the proposals are satisfactory to Italy.