ARE THE CLOUDS LIFTING?

Northern Advocate, 25 July 1935, Page 6

ARE THE CLOUDS LIFTING?

Despite ominous indications that Italy has been determined to attack Abyssinia unless that nation makes concessions that are not to be expected of any self-respect* ing-'people,--there is some ground for, hope that the quarrel between Italy and Abyssinia will not be put to the arbitrament of the sword. Yesterday’s cable messages, and those printed to*, day, have revealed a change in the diplomatic outlook. This is mainly due to the definite stand taken by the British Government, wlileh has made it clear that while Britain herself will not go to war with; Italy in order to prevent the invasion of Abyssinia, she will call upon the members of the League of Nations to act collectively in the matter. In other words, she is insisting that the dispute sfibnld be settled by the League in accordance with the principles of the Covenant, This would necessitate both Italy and Abyssinia submitting their respective claims to the League, which would adjudicate upon them. So far, it must be admitted, both parties have not! made these advances, winch are required of them as members of the League. Up to the present, Britain has been handicapped by France’s reported sympathy with Italy and reluctance to take any steps which would antagonise Italy. Britain, however, has steadily advanced the .view ; that if the League is flouted the only medium': to replace force in the settlement qf. disputes between nations will disappear, which, would create a state of things that France cannot contemplate with comfort. Apparently Franee is now seeing the situation as Britain does. We are told in today’s cables that it is regarded as almost certain that France will support '■■Britain when the ItaloAbyssinian dispute c-omes before the League within the next few days. This, coupled with the threatened collapse of Italy’s financial stability and Japan’s announcement that she will not stand by and see Abyssinia absorbed by Italy, seems to have made/Mussolini more amenhble to reason. So, while the .sitiiati'on is far from what we would like it to be, there are unquestionably rifts' in the clouds which give ground for hope that an unthinkable tiiagedy, such as war between Italy and Abyssinia, with all its repercussions, may yet be averted. •