THE WAR SITUATION

Northern Advocate, 23 October 1935, Page 6

THE WAR SITUATION

The news which comes from the seat of war today is of an interesting nature. It is becoming evident that the Italians’ pro-' gross in Abyssinia is hot so extensive as to make Mussolini op- • timistic regarding the early subjugation of the country. The quick advance reported during the opening days of the campaign, especially the feverish haste to capture Adowa, * was designed mainly for psychological reasons. It is difficult to fix accurately the real position in the north, but it is clear that, were it not for the traitorous action, of the Emperor’s son-in-law Gugsa, who surrendered with 12,000 men in or der to receive the bribe offered by Italy in the * shape of rulership over the Tigre territory, the in-j vaders would not ' have a great deal of northern Abyssinia under their control. In the south, it appears that reports of rapid advance have been exaggerated, and that the fall of Harrar, previously stated to> be imminent, is not likely to happen for some considerable time. Preparations for the application of sanctions against Italy are proceeding as fast as the intricacy of the questions which present themselves to the League will allow. There are various reports that ■ Mussolini is prepared to discuss settlement terms if the League will, among other things, postpone the application of sanctions, and acquiesce in the annexation by Italy of a certain portion of Abyssinia, but there are other reports that II Duce resolutely refuses to consider negotiations with the League. The latter report may be accepted .with reserve, for tliere have been not a few hints that an opportunity to discuss methods by which intensification of the peril to international peace .might’be averted, would be welcomed. Prance’s declaration of her determination, as a member of the League, to stand by Britain, also as a member of the League, has had important repercussions so far as stiffening the attitude of some other League signatories is concerned.