ABYSSINIA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 29 June 1935, Page 7

ABYSSINIA

SITUATION REGARDED AS GRAVE MUSSOLINI’S DETERMINATION (United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, 28th June. Grave news concerning the Abyssinian situation is published in the " Daily Telegraph,” whose diplomatic correspondent says Mr Eden’s visit to Rome left the outstanding impression that Mussolini is at present unwilling to contemplate any solution likely to be attained by means other than military conquest. It is his firm intention to leave the League should that body attempt to bar his path. (Received 29th June, 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, 28th June. England proposed t-lnit Italian aspirations regarding colonial territory could be met in Ogatien and with some frontier adjustment in the north. Signor Mussolini’s desire for direct communication between the two existing colonies could also have been met. The Emperor was willing to sit in conference with France, Italy and Britain in order to settle favourable terms in regard to Italy’s claims for greater facilities in exploiting mineral resources in Ethiopia, but he was emphatic against the surrender of the political independence which Ethiopia Jias enjoyed for a thousand years. Britain, in order to secure this large concession to Italy, would have been willing to compensate the Emperor by ceding a portion of British Somaliland in order to form an Abyssinian corridor towards the sea. Signor Mussolini would not consider these proposals even as a basis of negotiations. One gathers that his minimum would imply greater territorial gain and a military protectorate throughout the country to ensure good behaviour. The whole of this programme must be secured in a single operation. Nothing less would be of practical value. To this attitude Britain could offer no response. The thing was not in the gift of Britain. The deadlock is complete.