AFRICAN CRISIS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22197, 26 August 1935, Page 11

AFRICAN CRISIS

british_policy MUSSOLINI'S DILEMMA POSSIBLE RESTRAINTS WAR MADE DIFFICULT INTENTIONS DEFINED 5y Telesrraph—Pre=a Association—Copyright (Received Aucust 25. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON*. Aug. 24 The Manchester Guardian's political correspondent emphasises that the British Cabinet's decision in regard to the Italo-Abyssinian dispute means far more than a reaffirmation 0 f general familiar principles, because it has created a new situation for Signor Mussolini. It is still possible, even likely, that an Italian invasion of Abyssinia will begin in September, but the British decision makes it very difficult to believe that the military conquest of Abyssinia, as planned by Signor Mussolini, will be possible. There are certain restraints which, operating progressively, can hardly fail decisively to affect Italy's action. Those restraints would be imposed only as a last resource. Xo communication has been made to Signor Mussolini so far, but he will certainly be informed in due course of the difficulties which will confront him if he persists in waging a war of conquest in defiance of the League of j Nations. The Daily Telegraph's political correspondent says reliable information which has reached London suggests thrt Signor Mussolini is pondering deeply on the prospect that Britain will be prepared to co-operate in collective restraints. He insists that there is no commonsense in. or justification for. transforming a colonial war into a European conflagration. II Duce complains that already j Britain has compelled him to double j his material efforts by encouraging Abyssinian resistance. Nevertheless, he feels' that nothing must interfere with his plans for the military occupation of Abyssinia. He refuses to admit that these should be regarded as a campaign of conquest. On the contrary, the operations envisaged by Signor Mussolini are to be officially described as " preventive police action." Italy does not propose to recall her Minister from Addis Ababa, but is anxious to send a battalion of troops to reinforce the Legation guard in the Abyssinian capital. HOSTILITIES EXPECTED SANCTIONS PROBLEM DIFFICULTY IN APPLYING (Received August 25, 5.5 runi.) LONDON. Aug. 23 The political correspondent of the Sunday Times says official circles in London now have little hope that war between Italy and Abyssinia will be averted. >However, this will not lessen the Government's determination to utilise the League's machinery to the fullest extent. The application of sanctions against Italy is complicated by the fact that Germany, Japan and America are out»ide the League. Japan shows signs of sympathy with Abyssinia and might agree to co-operate with the League. Germany, however, is still certainly hostile and has declared in favour of isolation. Britain is determined that it will not be any fault of hers if the collective system fails. CALL TO PRAYER WHOLE OF CHRISTENDOM WAR AN INTOLERABLE WRONG (Received August 25, 5.5 p.m.) !■ LONDON. Aue. 24 A message from Montreux, Switzerland, states'- that the Universal Christian Council, representing the Anglican, American and Orthodox Greek Churches and the and French Catholic Churches, telegraphed to the Pope, the League of Nations, the Prime Ministers of Britain, France, Italy, Ethiopia and the United States, appealing to the irhole of Christendom to unite in prayer and declare that a war undertaken without arbitration intolerably wrongs mankind and Christ's law. MOUNTING TENSION ADDIS ABABA POPULATION TRAPS LAID FOR INVADERS Timea Cable LONDON. Auc. 23 A copyright message to the Times from Addis ; Ababa says gloom is increasing among the foreign population. Merchants complain that there is no business and threaten to depart. Missionaries of all denominations have begun a four-days' prayer meeting on behalf of Ethiopia. The excitement over Baron Falconi's injury during a hunting expedition, proved very slight, exemplifies the mounting tension. Abyssiniahs are digging pits like wild anunal traps, over each of which a Wooden framework covered with turf a nd grass <is placed, along the routes expected to be used in the Italian advance ip the northern provinces. Many villagers are constructing aeroplane traps, and the long-disused ammunition factory at Addis Ababa is being reconstructed in the greatest secrecy. Guards have been ordered to shoot anyone entering the precincts. MILITARY HOSPITAL BASE ON AN ISLAND / (Received August 25. 5 5 p.m.) ATHENS. Aup. 24 Italy has evacuated the inhabitants the island of Psedmos, which she is into a military hospital base.