FOREIGN TROOPS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 22 May 1936, Page 5

FOREIGN TROOPS

WITHDRAWAL OF REINFORCEMENTS DESIRED BY ITALY INTIMATION TO BRITAIN AND ! FRANCE (United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 22nd May, 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, 21st May. “The Times” diplomatic correspondent says that the Italian Government intimated to the British that the time had come when the reinforcements added last autumn to the regular Indian guard of tire British Legation at Addis Ababa should be withdrawn from Abyssinia. It has also intimated to the French that troops sent to protect French nationals and the railway property at Diredawa should be withdrawn. The Italian view, as stated to both Governments, is that the Italian army of occupation having established its authority, can answer for the safety of foreigners. Therefore the maintenance of independent military precautions is no longer necessary. The request is still ■under consideration in London and The'regnlar British Legation Guard, consisting of one British officer and twenty " Sikhs, - was reinforced last September by a company of the Punjab Regiment, under three British officers of the Indian Army, giving a total strength of 150. The Italian Government wants the withdrawal of the Punjab Company, but does not object to the regular Sikh ■v guard staying on. The French Government sent 150 troops to Diredawa in October, and it is apparently this force that Italy now wants withdrawn. ONE CONDITION ONLY SAFEGUARDING BRITISH .. INTERESTS NO INTERFERENCE IN ABYSSINIA REPORTED OFFER BY MUSSOLINI (Received 22nd May, 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, 21st May. _ The “Morning Post’s” diplomatic correspondent has the highest authority for stating that Signor Mussolini is most anxious to continue on good terms with Britain and is prepared to give full guarantees to safeguard British Imperial interests, both in Africa and outside. The only condition attaching to his offer, is l if not immediate recognition of, at least noninterference with, Italian colonisation in Abyssinia. If Britain accepts this condition Italy is’prepared to offer a solemn undertaking not to oppose British interests in Egypt and elsewhere. REMOVAL OF WHITE TROOPS FROM LIBYA

(Received 22nd May, 9.5 a.m.) PARIS, 21st May. The newspaper “L’lnformation declares that Signor Grand!, Italian Ambassador at London, was specially instructed regarding forthcoming explanations to the. British Government, which are believed to include notification that Signor' Mussolini- is prepared to give an assurance that he does ■ not seek to extend the Roman Empire to Northern Africa, as tangible proof of which he is willing to consider the removal of white troops from Libya, if Britain so desires. marshal badoglio returning TO ROME (Received 22nd May, 9.5 a.m.) . LONDON, 21st May. The Exchange’s Asmara correspondent says it is reported that Marshal Badoglio is sailing for Rome on 25th May, General Graziani succeeding him with the title of Regent. (Received 22nd May, 9.30 a.m.) ROME, 21st May. It is understood that Marshal Badoglio will remain in Italy until the dangei of conflict arising from sanctions has passed. General Graziani will probably be entrusted with the task of the pacification of Abyssinia in view of his reputation for the “iron hand m Libya. ARREST OF BRITISH SUBJECT INQUIRIES BEING MADE LABOUR MEMBER’S POINTED 1 QUESTION (Received 22nd May, 11.35 a.m.) LONDON, 21st May. Answering questions concerning Bunner a warrant officer attached to a Bn - ish ’ambulance unit in Abyssinia, Earl Cranborne, Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, in the House of Commons said the Italian authoiities maintained that he had been employed with the Abyssinian Forces. Mr Eden telegraphed to Sir Sidney Barton, British Minister at Addis Ababa, who detailed the circumstances, and added that Banner told the Consul at Diredawa that he had lost or been deprived of a packet containing money. The train left without mm while Bunner was making inquiries. The Foreign Office was making every effort to ascertain Bunner’s whereabouts. Mr Cocks (Lab.): “What right under international law have the Italians to arrest a British subject in a neutral friendly. State?” Earl Cranborne: “I can assure the House that we arc taking the most energetic steps.” DISAPPEARANCE OF DIPLOMATIC BAG In reply to another question Earl Cranborn’e said lie was making inquiries also about the disappearance of a diplomatic bag on the Addis Ababa Djibouti Failway.