Paris Talks Have Failed

Northern Advocate, 19 August 1935, Page 5

Paris Talks Have Failed

iNo Basis For ! Peaceful Solution ABYSSINIAN DISPUTE CRISIS CONFERENCE COLLAPSES [United Press /Lsaoci:aion—By Electric Telegraph . — Copyright. 1 (Received 9 a.m.) » LONDON, August 18. Baron Aloisi (Italy) conferred with M. Laval this morning at Paris. Meanwhile communications had . arrived from Rome, and the talk was suspendied while Baron Aloisi decoded them, The talks were resumed later. Signor Mussolini’s reply to the suggestions of Britain and, France are believe to be incomplete. Mr Anthony Eden had an hour’s talk with M. Laval, ! after which the latter remarked that j the negotiations were very difficult. It | was later announced that the Three Power Conference had ended in failure. An official communique admitted inability to find a basis for a peaceful solution of the ItaloAbyssinian conflict, subject to the maintenance of Abyssinia’s integrity. The question will not, therefore, be publicly examined by the League until the Council meets to consider the whole situation. Complete Pessimism. When the conference reassembled late this afternoon the atmosphere was that of complete pessimism. It was contended that Italy should be given a monoply for economic exploitation, with* power to appoint advisers to the heads of Abyssinian Departments, including the Army. Britain would be given control of the waters, of Lake Tsana, and France’s right on the Jibouti Railway would have been safeguarded. It is understood Signor Mussolini uncompromisingly demanded the Abyssinian mandate, ’which Britain vigorously opposed, while Franca "sought a formula capable of satisfying both sides. The Paris correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” states that Baron Aloisi, ,after being informed yesterday that France whole-heartedly supported Britain’s, demands that the dispute • should be settled with no recourse to war, telegraphed to Signor Mussolini, whose reply determined whether the 1 present talks could be continued. An Impasse. A British Official. Wireless message 1 Estates that the delegates to the Three 1 Power Conference in Paris did not meet yesterday morning. It is understood the French and ( British delegates asked that Italy ■ should specify, in more precise form 1 than hitherto had been done, her * minimum requirements. From the in- ’ formation available to them, they un- ( derstood that Abyssinia is prepared to ■ consider certain concessions, which ( might go some way to meeting the J Italian requirements, and it was ciesir* ed to see whether, by an advance on ( the part of Italy, the gulf between the disputants, which has to be bridg- J ed, can at least be reduced. In addi- 1 tion to yesterday’s talks between the L - Ministers, there were frequent contacts between experts of the three delegations, and different displomatic docu- * ments concerning the relations of theiif | three countries were subjected to joint * examination and analysis. - j The conference reached an impasse, 1 when, at the meeting this afternoon, 1 the Italian delegate, Baron Aloisi, informed Mr Eden and M. Laval of the ( instructions he had received from. 1 Rome, regarding the proposals submit- * ted by France and Britain on Friday ( as a basis for discussions. It was unfortunately realised that the reply was J not of a kind to enable further pro- 1 gress to be made. * Through Diplomatic Channels. i

It is understood the suggestions by Britain and France were of a comprehensive nature, and would have afforded Italy wide economic opportunities in Abyssinia and safeguarded the frontiers of Italian cblonies, as well as the security of Italian settlers in Abyssinia. •' - The two countries would have been prepared jointly to recommend an agreement, on the lines proposed, to the Abyssinian Government and to the League of Nations, as a reasonable settlement consistent with treaty rights and obligations of all the parties, and the principles of the Covenant.

As these proposals, designed to meet legitimate aspirations, have not been acepted by Signor Mussolini as a basis of discussion, the conference has virtually broken down. It is probable that the British delegation will return to London tomorrow.

An official communique was issued as follows:—

“M. Laval, representing France, Mr Anthony Eden, Britain, and Baron Aloisi, Italy, met in Paris to find means of peacefully settling the ItaloAbyssinian difficulties. They have not been able to find a basis for discussion of the question permitting some solution of the conflict. The difficulties encountered during the examination of the suggestions put forward in the course of the discussion necessitated an adjournment of the study undertaken. which will be continued throughout diplomatic channels.”

The Paris correspondent of “The Times” stated yesterday that the conversations between the British, French and Italian representatives concerning the Italo-Abyssinian dispute were brought to a standstill owing to Baron Aloisi's reluctance fully to state the

Italian claims. A later message stated that Baron Aloisi had not received instructions from Signor Mussolini, so the morning conference was postponed. Late last evening, the Italian delegation received press representatives. The spokesman, who declined to answer direct questions, caused surprise by stating that the conference was not awaiting a statement of Italy’s claims. Although the spokesman declared that Italy had always endeavoured to remain on good terms with Abyssinia, the impression left on British and American journalists was that Italy’s attitude is uncompromising. The French press adversely comments on the delays. “LTntransigeant” says that if Signor Mussolini intends to use time for his military preparations. he will find that advantage outweighed by the world’s resentment. While Baron Aloisi was seeking to make contact from Paris with Signor

Mussolini, II Duce, driving his own car, visited 12,000 ti’oops, who are to sail from Naples tomorrow. Signor Mussolini said: “We will go forward until we achieve a Fascist Empire. I know you will do your duty, with iron discioline, until all our goals are attained.”