WOULD OIL BAN BE EFFECTIVE?

Northern Advocate, 7 February 1936, Page 5

WOULD OIL BAN BE EFFECTIVE?

Complex Question for

League

IL DUSE TO CONTINUE WAR

{United Press Association-By Electric Teleqravh.-' -Copyright.] (Received 11.30 a.m.) LONDON. February 6. •tohE Times’ ” Rome correspondent states that the meeting of the Fascist Grand Council has given a rude shock to the theory that Signor Mussolini would postpone his successes in the field and declare that Italian military honour was satisfied, and that he would agree to negotiate.

Apparently Italy has resolved to continue the war until she has

achieved more substantial triumphs. There is still no means of knowing what are the Italian

objectives.

Signor Mussolini’s disposition to negotiate might sensibly be affected by the production of fresh factors in the political situation. Many wellinformed people, however, do not consider that Italy will reply to sanctions with military measures. Economic counter-measures are more probable.

Oil Ban Doubted.

“Th« Times’ ” Geneva correspondent says doubt is growing as to whether an oil embargo will be attempted. No great insight is needed, he adds, to realise that even if member States enforce it, and non-members restricted their expofts to Italy to .normal, there is little chance of success if any important outside source remains.

If the United States refuses to restrict oil exports to normal, there is little chance of any embargo being effective.

The “Daily Express” Geneva representative says that America will be sounded on the oil embargo issue. If she agrees to a curtailment of exports the League Committee will advise that the sanctions can be effective, but if she declines, the idea will be abandoned.

ITALY TURNS TO GERMANY.

The “Manchester Guardian’s” city correspondent says that Italy ,is seeking to circumvent other sanctions by purchases from Germany, with which she has placed orders for spades, trench tools and agricultural implements to a value of £IOO,OOO. Germany has also undertaken to supply 350,000 pairs of military boots, the price of-which is to be paid, one quarter in Italian lire and the rest in barter.

The Italians, he states, are searching the possibility of an extension of trade with Germany as a substitute for sanctionist countries, but the Germans are more reticent and obviously fearful lest they should not obtain payment. Special measures are being taken to protect exporters against currency depreciation.