CASE FOR ITALY

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

CASE FOR ITALY

FKANK STATEMENT ETHIOPIA'S LONG HOSTILITY MUSSOLINI'S CHARGES By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON. Auk. 23 " The solution of the Ethiopian problem must he radical and conclusive. Ethiopia cannot continue as a modern weapon, nor as an ancient lance, pointed at Italy's hack." Thus Signor Mussolini concluded an interview, reports the British United Press in a copyright message-; in which he frankly discussed Italy's attitude. T1 Dure declared that Abyssinia had been hostile to Ttaly for 40 years, had consistently disregarded the 1028 treaty of friendship, had attacked ftalian soldiers, killed officials and civilians, and prepared an army to attack Italian forces. Italy, therefore, had decided to secure respect for her rights. Such action in Abyssinia could not influence the development of European collaboration to which Italy was still disposed entirely to adhere. Signor Mussolini, continuing, said the Stresa agreements and European equilibrium could be endangered only by creating a legend of the perils to Europe which would result from his colonial campaign. The Italian operations were not different from those of other colonial Powers in Africa and Asia. A nation on the march, such as Italy, could not be stopped by a static conception of the life of peoples. Such a conception greatly endangered world peace. The League, if it desired to live, must realise this danger which, anyhow, the Covenant and Articles XIX. and XXII. envisaged. Asked whether Italy, in the event of war, would search neutral vessels, Mussolini promised that she would adhere strictly to international law. 11 Duce added that Britain in the 3891 and 1594 protocols recognised that almost all Ethiopia was included in the sphere of Italian influence. The threePower treaty of 1908 confirmed this. Britain's interests in the Nile waters were specially recognised in the accord between Signor Mussolini and Sir Ronald Graham, British Ambassador to Italy in 1925, and therefore Britain's local interests were completely safeguarded. Western nations might despair in the future if their present disturbing depopulation should accompany renunciation of the right to send civilising missions to people ignorant of civilisation. GENEVA OPINION

FORCIBLE DECLARATION LEAGUE OBLIGATIONS CITED LONDON, Au*. 23 The Daily Herald, in a leading article, says it considers that Signer Mussolini's interview demands a plain reply. War is not justified by the assertion", even if true, that Abyssinia is a modern weapon pointed at Italy's back because Abyssinia has agreed to submit any dispute to the League and to abide by its decisions. Signor Mussolini suggests that so tremendous a movement as Rome's return to her Imperial status is not governed by the Covenant. Such a theory smashes the League to smithereens and brings the world to face ruin. If Italy can make such a claim, so can Germany. League circles regard Signor Mussolini's statement as the most forcible he has yet made regarding Italy's attitude toward the League, but point out that Article XIX. was designed to ensure a peaceful revision of treaties and international questions, whereas Italy is determined to resort to revision by force. Article XXII. provides that backward races may be placed under the tutelage of more civilised- nations holding a League mandate, but Mussolini refused this when Britain and France suggested it at the recent three-rower conference iu Paris. ETHIOPIAN ARMY FOREIGN INSTRUCTORS RECALL BY GOVERNMENTS JIBOUTI, Aug. 23 The Governments of Belgium and Sweden have ordered their nationals who have been ad-ting as instructors in the Abyssinian Army to resign and return home. GERMAN SUBMARINES IN EVENT OF BLOCKADE FLEET BEING CONSTRUCTED PARIS. Aug. 23 Le Journal states that Germany is constructing a fleet of commercial submarines for use in the event of a war blockade. Each vessel will be of 3000 tons and 120 yards long, being capable of carrying 800 tons of freight. The surface speed will be 18 knots and 10 knots when diving.

AMERICAN NEUTRALITY LOWER HOUSE PASSES BILL WASHINGTON. Aug. 23 The Neutrality Bill has been passed by the House of Representatives, with its time-limit clause. Adjustment of the differences with the Senate, which favours a permanent ban, will send the legislation to White House for President Roosevelt's signature.