A FAILURE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 17 June 1936, Page 7

A FAILURE

SANCTIONS ENFORCEMENT PROPOSAL TO RAISE ATTITUDE OF BRITAIN (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 17th June, 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, 16th June. The “Morning Post’s” political correspondent says that Mr Anthony Eden’s speech in the House of Commons on 18th June, announcing the Government’s decision to propose the raising of sanctions, will follow closely on the lines of Mr Neville Chamberlain’s speech on 11th June. It will point out that sanctions have failed either to prevent or end the Abyssinian war or preserve the independence of Abyssinia, and in view of this there is no logical or practical justification for maintaining them. There have been no Cabinet differences regarding this. The only hesitancy has been whether Britain should lead at Geneva or leave the initiative to the Assembly. MORE POSITIVE GESTURE NEEDED

The “Daily Telegraph’s” Rome correspondent says that semi-official circles are now declaring that the lifting of sanctions will not be enough to allow Italy again to collaborate in European affairs, suggesting that a more positive gesture is needed, namely a simultaneous reversal of the League’s aggression verdict. DEBATE IN THE COMMONS

OPENS ON THURSDAY PRIME MINISTER TO SPEAK (British Official Wireless) (Received 17th June, 11.30 a.m.) RUGBY,- 16th June. Thursday’s debate in the House of Commons on the Government s foreign policy, with special reference to the question of sanctions; will open w ith a speech by Mr Anthony Eden. Foreign Secretary, and the Hon. Stanley Baldwin, Prime Minister, will speak towards the close of the debate. Opposition leaders will take part in the debate and it is understood that Mr Lloyd George will also speak.

DOMINIONS FAVOURABLE EXCEPT SOUTH AFRICA MR EDEN EXPLAINS ■ (United Press Association-By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 17th. June, 10.25 a.m.) LONDON, 16th June. Evening newspapers give prominence to the announcement that the Hon. J. A. Lyons; Prime Minister of Australia, sent a cable to the Hon. S. M Bruce, Australian High Commissioner, in London, in which he is reported to have , intimated, that Australia is anxious to see sanctions ended in view of the loss of Italian marketing. The “Sun-Herald” says that Britain’s attitude towards sanctions was outlined by Mr Anthony Eden, Foreign Secretary, this afternoon at a conference with the Dominions’ HighCommissioners, each of whom submitted his own Dominion’s viewpoint. Mr Bruce presented the Commonwealth case, the newspapers announcement of which caused a flutter, especially among foreign correspondents, who suspect that London inspired the Commonwealth to initiate the abandonment of sanctions to enable the British Government [to present a strong case in the House of Commons on 18th June and simultaneously save its face on the Continent. Actually all the Dominions except South Africa, favoured the dropping of sanctions. Mr Eden frankly explained the British reasons for a reversal of policy emphasising that the failure of League action had caused sphts. and fissures throughout . Europe ancl that continuation of sanctions would make the position worse.

ITALIAN ASSURANCES The “Sun-Herald” says a section of the press continues to suggest grave Cabinet differences in connection with the forthcoming sanctions decision,, and that Mr Eden’s resignation is imminent. Such rumours, however, are without foundation, and are primarily j designed to force Mr Eden from the Cabinet, but are unlikely to succeed. When Mr Eden announces the aban-, donment of sanctions on 18th June he, will outline Signor Mussolini’s mem-j orandum, which says, that apart from accepting any diminution of Italian sovereignty in Abyssinia,"the Italians are ready to meet Britain’s desires in every possible way. Assurances are given that henceforth Italy belongs territorially to the “satisfied” powers. The Duce pledges himself not to raise a black army in Abyssinia, declaring he has no further African territorial ambitions. The Duce also is ready to j conclude a Mediterranean pact with Britain and France, accompanied by j limitation of naval armaments, and to include Greece and Turkey if they desire. Italy further is ready to support the British viewpoint for the reform of the League Covenant. The Italians intimate that in the event of Britain rejecting collaboration they will turn to Germany.

FRANCE ALSO DEPUTIES TABLE RESOLUTION (Received 17th June, 11.35 a.m.) PARIS, 16th June. Deputies representing all parties tabled a draft resolution inviting the Government to abolish sanctions and induce League members to follow the decision.

EFFECT OF SANCTIONS | FALL IN TRADE ] (Received 17th June, 11.35 a.m.) I GENEVA, 16th June. The League Secretariat states that eighteen countries applying sanctions had total imports from Italy, during April, to the value of only 424,000 gold dollars, compared with 6,777,000 in April, 1335. Their exports to Italy were 2,453,000, compared with 8,807,000 last year.