THREE POINTS THAT WOULD SATISFY ITALY

Northern Advocate, 26 October 1935, Page 9

THREE POINTS THAT WOULD SATISFY ITALY

The so-called peace terms appear in “II Giornale d’ltalia,” in which Signor Gayda suggests that three points would satisfy Italy, namely:— (1) —The disarming of Abyssinia, with international control over the territory. Italy considers Abyssinia proper to be distinct from the outlying provinces, which are racially separated from her. (2) —ltalian occupation of the Tigre province. (3) —Abyssinia to be given a port in Eritrea. These proposals admittedly closely resemble those reported from France, which Signor Mussolini rejected. Also, it is believed that Signor Mussolini is likely to demand Zeila as the Abyssinian port. Not At Concrete Stage. The Paris correspondent of the “Times,” referring to a report, which was later denied, that Signor Mussolini offered M. Laval a basis for a settlement, including the establishment of concessions, similar to those in China, says he thinks the denial should be interpreted as indicating that the conversations had not reached a concrete stage yet. Moreover, M. Laval does not desire to transmit proposals, which should be made directly to Britain. That attitude will not hinder his efforts to reach a basis, which will satisfy the League in Britain. The Paris correspondent of the “Daily Mail” says that, notwithstanding denials, an Italian scheme for a settlement is before Britain and France. It may be on general lines, but it certainly exists. Halt in Italian Advance. The “News Chronicle’s” Rome correspondent says that although official circles disclaim knowledge of peace negotiations, the prolonged halt in the Italian advance is creating optimism. There is every reason to believe that Signor Mussolini has relinquished his ambition for a mandate over all Abys-

sinia, and that what he claims now is the joining up of Italian colonies by the cession of the Ogaden, Harrar and Tigre provinces, which, he insists, are not part of Abyssinia proper. It is stated that he is willing to concede to Abyssinia the port of Assab. Ttte only hitch in this plan is that the Sanctions Committee will meet at Geneva on October 31, but the newspapers give prominence to a report that the meeting may be postponed until November 15 to enable the negotiations to proceed. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Rome correspondent says that, apart from other considerations, the growing realisation of the technical difficulties and the economic cost of the Abyssinian campaign are believed to lie behind Signor Mussolini’s reported peace move. Moreover, now it is asserted that Italy never intended to conquer the whole of Abyssinia, Her avowed objects are:— (1) To enforce the loyal execution of many treaties with Abyssinia during the past 40 years. (2) To obtain new land for colonisation and the concessions promised in the treaties. (3) To ensure the security of her settlers and colonial frontiers. The campaign is believed to have reached a .stage when these objects are within sight.