ABYSSINIAN CRISIS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22166, 20 July 1935, Page 13

ABYSSINIAN CRISIS

ITALY'S ATTITUDE LEAGUE MEMBERSHIP RETENTION ESSENTIAL FRENCH VIEW STATED I3y Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received July 19. 5.-15 p.m.) LONDON. July 18 The Paris correspondent of the Morning Post says France considers that, whatever the rights or wrongs of the dispute between Italy and Abyssinia, the whole problem is of secondary importance, compared with the European situation, for a satisfactory solution of which the cooperation of Italy is essential to her, especially in regard to the Austrian problem. France, therefore, will not consent to risk her friendship with- Italy on account of Abyssinia, even though the question of the League of Nations principle is involved. Abyssinia's conquest by Italy, in tlie French view, would be a lesser blow to the League than Italy's exit from Geneva.

ITALIAN TROOPS AN INCREASE IN PAY > MAINTAINING THEIR MORALE (Received July 19. 5.35 p.m.) ROME. July 19 Signor Mussolini, with the object of maintaining the morale of the troops in East Africa, is increasing their pay. Privates are to receive Is 8d a day. In Italy, corporals receive 2s and Corporalmajors, 2s 4d a day, but if they are in Somaliland they will receive an additional 4d a day each. Signor Mussolini also has increased the rations of the troops and improved the postal services.

BRITISH CABINET NON-AGGRESSIVE POLICY REPLY TO PACIFISTS (Received July 19. 5.35 p.m.) / LONDON. July 19 The Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Home Office, Captain Euan Wallace, speaking at Malton, said the Government did not intend to be the "sole policeman" of the League of Nations. It was not going to be stampeded by belligerent pacifists into aggressiveness regarding the dispute between Italy and Abyssinia. UNITED ABYSSINIA DEFENCE OF TERRITORY EMPEROR'S FIRM ATTITUDE ADDIS ABABA. July 18 The Emperor of Abyssinia, addressing j his Parliament, said that although Italy | had all the weapons of modern warfare, she had yet to see how a united Abyssinia would defend her territory. The Emperor, in reviewing the troops, said: "God will be'your shield. Your sovereign will be with you and will not hesitate to shed his blood in defence of the country'B independence." I / * ITALY AND LEAGUE DELICATE SITUATION POSSIBLE SECESSION LONDON, July 18 The Rome correspondent of the Morning Post states that if the Council of the League of Nations supports the suggestion of the compromise between Italy and Abyssinia as co-equals at Geneva, Italy will not tolerate such an assumption of equality. She expects the League to expel Abyssinia "from Geneva, otherwise Italy will leave. Replying in the House of Commons to a question regarding the maintenance of Abyssinia's rights as a member of the League, Mr. Anthony Eden said the British Government, in endeavouring to further an amicable settlement of the dispute, had had and would continue to have, full regard for the rights and obligations of the States which are members of the League.

MUSSOLINI'S AIM CONQUEST OF COUNTRY NUMEROUS DIFFICULTIES LONDON. July 11 Summing up Italy's chances in the event of Avar, the military correspondent of the Times says he considers that if Signor Mussolini limited his aim to annexing portion of southern Abyssinia he would not be likely to meet with serious opposition. His present attitude, however, suggests that he aims at conquering the entire country, which may have unfortunate military and political results. An air attack would not be likely to be effective as Addis Ababa is 400 miles from the Haliam bases and 8000 ft. above sea level. The air problem probably would diminish as the land forces advanced, but the military problems would become more acute. The Abysainians have only 40,000 regular troops, but levies totalling more than 500,000 might be* available for guerilla warfare if the miracle of keeping thein supplied could bo achieved. The Abyssinian artillery includes only three batteries of " 75's" and 300 machine guns. Modern armament would give tho Italian forces a fighting value much greater than that represented by their actual numbers.