THE WAR SITUATION

Northern Advocate, 21 October 1935, Page 4

THE WAR SITUATION

Today’s news of the ItaloAbyssiiiian war, and the critical situation in Europe arising therefrom, may be regarded as more satisfactory than that received last week. Though official announcement has not been made, it is believed that France has unequivocally undertaken to support Britain in the event of Bri-

tish warships in the Mediterranean being attacked by Italy. ItMs even stated that, to 'emphasise Anglo-French co-operation, a proposal has been made that two French ships shall replace two British ships. It is also suggested that relations between Britain and Italy have been much improved as. a result of conversations between Sir Eric Drummond (Brutish Ambassador to Italy) and Signor Mussolini, who had impressed upon him the fact that Britain has no enmity towards Italy, but, in acting as she has done, has moved merely as a member of the League of Nations in protection of the League’s Covenant. There is a hint that if Italy withdraws her Libyan forces from the Egyptian frontier Britain may reduce her naval forces in the Mediterranean, though it is emphasised that that concentration of ships has not been made merely as retaliation for ,tlie Libyan demonstration of force. The League Committees responsible for the formulation of means whereby sanctions may be effectively applied are meeting ■with considerable difficulty owing to the economic fears of some members of the League, but, taken xl together, there is evidence that British firmness and devotion to principle are having a salutary effect. Moreover, there is an obvious desire on the part of everybody to restrict the area of hosto Abyssinia, while diplo matic efforts are heng made to discover an opening'for an honourable settlement.