WITH BRITAIN AND FRANCE

Northern Advocate, 28 October 1935, Page 5

WITH BRITAIN AND FRANCE

MUSSOLINI’S TERMS KNOWN A PESSIMISTIC ATMOSPHERE [“The Times” Cable.l (Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, October 26. rpHE Paris coi’resjpondent of “The Times” states that although official circles maintain impenetrable reserve, the present position is that M. Laval has communicated to Britain Signor Mussolini’s terms for a cessation of the war in Abyssinia. These are generally believed to be on the lines cabled yestrday. They are now being studied in London. The next move, therefore, as “The Times’ ” correspondent pointed out, lies with Britain and France, who, no doubt, will formulate their own ideas, Gbased on their knowledge of what the League is likely to accept. It is possible 1 that Signor Mussolini, in turn, will submit fresh suggestions, and the discussions may be expected to continue until an agreement on a basis for negotiation is reached or shown to be impossible. Delay of Sanctions. The time factor is important, and, for that reason, appeals are again being made for a further delay in the application of sanctions, on the ground that if they become operative while the discussions are still in progress, Signor Mussolini will refuse to continue them. This is understood to be M. Laval’s opinion, but, according to the Rome correspondent of “The Times,” Italy has not asked, and will not ask, for a postponement of sanctions. A late despatch from Rome says the peace talks apparently are at a standstill. When a journalist remarked to the Italian spokesman that pessimism existed in Paris and London, the spokesman retorted, “In ’ Rome, also.” The conviction is growing that the Abyssinians will make, ther first determined stand before Makale. The conflict will not be a mass battle but a widespread delaying action over an immense front. “The Times” Rome correspondent says that foreign missionaries arriving in Asmara, Eritrea, from the interior of Abyssinia, declare that only the Amhara tribesmen in the Wollega district, west of Addis Ababa, answered the call to mobilisation. The Galla tribesmen refused to march, and there was some indication of rebellion. Ras Kassa, who had only four months’ food for _ his forces round Gondar may therefore hasten to attack the right flank of the Italian line in the north.

FAITHFUL TO ITALY. ALBANIA’S DECISION. LONDON, October 27. A message from Tirana says the new Albanian Government, at a meeting of Parliament, declared fidelity to the country’s treaty alliance with Italy.