MONTH'S RESPITE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22179, 5 August 1935, Page 9

MONTH'S RESPITE

DECISION OF LEAGUE DESCRIBED AS ILLUSORY LONDON PRESS COMMENT By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Receivod Augua: 4. 7.5 p.in.) British Wireless RUGBY, Aug. 4 The Council of the League of Nations at a public meeting to-day considered two resolutions, the first of which provided for a resumption of the Italo-Abyssinian Conciliation Commission, with a fifth arbitrator. It was pointed out that the commission must not, by a decision regarding the events at Ualual, prejudge questions outside its province, including whether Ualual is under Italian or Abyssinian sovereignty. The resolution also invited Italy and Abyssinia to report on the conciliation proceedings not later than September 4. The second resolution provided that the Council should meet again in any event on September 4 to undertake a general examination of the relations between Italy and Abyssinia. Professor Jeze, in accepting the proposals on behalf of Abyssinia, said that in spite of her belief that she was right regarding Ualual she would again prove her determination to preserve world peace by announcing in advance her acceptance without reserve of the commission's decision. English newspapers have received the decision of the Council with mixed feelings. Mr. J. L. Garvin, writing in the Observer, says the month's respite is illusory as such a period is bound to elapse before military operations would be practicable. The League has only asserted its indefeasible right to continue talking until war breaks out. POSITION. STILL GRAVE M. LAVAL'S SUMMARY TRIPARTITE NEGOTIATIONS (Received August 4, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. Aug. 3 The special correspondent at Geneva of the Australian Associated Press says the League Council's decision is regarded as the best that could be expected in view of the extreme difficulties. The best summary of events was contained in M. Laval's statement, namely, " We have completed our immediate task but the gravity of the circumstances remains." Probably the most cheerful outcome will b.3 the eventual complete co-opera-tion between M. Laval and Mr. Eden. whos<3 almost continual conversations for four days were chiefly responsible for the agreement. Their formnla hunting resulted in keeping the negotiations partially within the framework of the League while meeting the Italir.n desire for simultaneous extraneous discussions The Council's meeting was preceded by an Anglo-French-Italian communique announcing an agreement to negotiate at the earliest possible date ; with a view to facilitating a settlement Jof th© Italo-Abyssini3n differences. | These negotiations are expected to b© ; begun in Paris about August 14. Abysj sinia is not to be represented at the beginning, but the Abyssinian Minister t will be available. It is expected that the name of the fifth arbitrator oif the Conciliation j Commission will be announced in a few i days. Baron Aloisi said the Italians supported the first of the Council's resolutions, hut abstained from voting on the second for reasons he gave the Council on July 31. Mr. Eden expressed the opinion that the procedure offered the best hope of a peaceful solution of the dispute. He said he would personally report the outcome of the tripartite meetings to the Council. These meetings, he hoped, would be concluded favourably by September 4. Mr. Eden assured the Council that the British Government would devote every effort to securing a pacific settlement in harmony with the principles of the Covenant. The Council carried unanimously the first resolution and accepted the second, Italy abstaining. INVALIDED HOME 3000 ITALIAN SOLDIERS SECRET NIGHT LANDING (Received August 4. 5.5 p.m.) ROME. Aug. 3 Two steamers carrying 3000 Italian soldiers invalided home from East Africa arrived at Naples. They were landed secretly at night. ITALIAN FORCES FURTHER MOBILISATION INCREASE IN THE NAVY LONDON. Aug. 2 The Rome correspondent of the Times says it is stated that Signor Mussolini intends to mobilise an additional four divisions and despatch them to Abyssinia, besides increasing the Italian Navy. The Daily Mail points out that this further mobilisatiou will bring Italy's forces in East Africa to nearly 900,000. FRIENDS AND ENEMIES ROME WATCHES EVENTS SIR S. HOARE'S SPEECH MILAN. Aug. 2 What is considered to be a reply to Sir Samuel Hoare, British Foreign Secretary, is contained in an article in II Popolo d'ltalia, _ apparently inspired by Signor Mussolini. The article says: "The conflict in Abyssinia will allow us to see our friends and our enemies face to face and enable us to tell which nations maintain the correct attitude toward Italy, and which are hostile. We shall be friends only with those who have proved that they are Italy's friends. Who lives long enough will see that this record of friendship and enmity will he kept up-to-date for use to-day, and especially to-morrow." Italian newspapers generally consider that Sir Samuel's speech was much firmer against; Italy than was his pre-? yious declaration..