ITALY WARNED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22165, 19 July 1935, Page 11

ITALY WARNED

ABYSSINIA'S STAND WILL FIGHT INVADERS EMPEROR DETERMINED By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright Timps Cable LONDON. July 17 The Enr>peror of Ethiopia (Abyssinia), Haiii Sellassie, in an exclusive interview with the Addis Ababa correspondent of the Times, said he desired the League of Nations to discuss the dispute with Italy by July 25, before which date he would not take diplomatic steps. Nevertheless, he would reply to any direct suggestions from Britain. His Majesty acknowledged the value of the 1905 treaty as an instrument for pacification, but said that Britain was the only co-signatory which now mentioned its application, and in the face of Signor Mussolini's actions it seemed valueless.

The Emperor said he was delighted | with the attitude" of Sir Samuel Hoare | and Mr. Anthony Eden, and did not oppose a free hand for Britain in a ; constructive peace effort. If Italy's ar- ' gument for the conquest of Abyssinia was its civilisation, slavery was not ! limited to Abyssinia, but flourished in Tripoli and in Eritrea, which the Italians conid uot deny. The treaty of 1931 allowed Abyssinia to import- arms to maintain her independence. but she could not do so if : Italy was allowed to send munitions, ; while Abvssinian licences were withheld.

If Italy declared war or her troops dared to cross the frontiers, Abyssinia would fight, while simultaneously appealing to the League.

REQUEST TO LEAGUE NEUTRAL OBSERVERS COUNCIL TO CONSIDER British Wireless RTTCtTS'Y. July 17 The Foreign Secretary, Sir Samuel Hoare,' was questioned in th# 1 House of Commons regarding the request of the Abyssinian Government for the appointment by the League of Nations of neutral observers to be sent to the frontiei-s between the Italian colonies and Abyssinia, and the attitude of the British Government.

In reply the Minister said the request had been communicated by the Secre-tary-General of the League, M. Avenol, to the Itritish Government and other members of the Council, who no doubt would be called upon to consider it at the Council's next meeting.

Sir Sttmuel said it would not be proper for him to disclose beforehand the attitude which the British representative would take up, or to attempt to prejudice the decision which, after taking into consideration all the information before it, the Council might see fit to take.