LEAGUE COUNCIL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22225, 27 September 1935, Page 11

LEAGUE COUNCIL

NEXT VITAL TASK DRAFTING A REPORT VIRTUALLY A JUDGMENT By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, Sept 25 The special representative of the Associated Press at Geneva says the failure of the Committee of Five to find a basis for conciliation leaves the Council no recourse except to appoint a committee, which probably will consist of every member of the Council except Italy, including Mr. S. M. Bruce (Australia), to draw up a report which will be a virtual judgment.

This may be the basis later for a decision to apply sanctions. The utmost care in drafting the report, therefore, will bo necessary. It is vital to ensure unanimity, as, if the Council does not carry its recommendations unanimously, Italy will bo free at the expiration of three months to wage war legitimately. The Bureau of tho League has decided to consult tho Assembly before deciding whether the Assembly shall be adjourned instead of dissolved on September 28.

The correspondent adds that Mr. Eden and M. Laval conferred in reference to tho procedure at Thursday's meeting of the League Council. Now that Baron Aloisi's observations are fully known, there is, no reason for the Council to take further intermediate steps before considering the disputo under Article XV. of the Covenant.

British quarters contend that the committee's recommendations for the supervision of arms and the suppression of slavery fully took account of Italy's complaints against Abyssinia. Nothing has shaken the British view that whatever the defects in Ethiopia, reforms should not be forced by one neighbouring Power. Close collaboration between the French and British delegations was again evidenced to-day by the consultations between Mr. Eden and M. Laval. If the arrangements permit Mr. Eden conveniently to leave for a day or two he may possibly take the opportunity at the week-end to return to London.

WORLD OPINION FEELING OF ITALIANS "SLOWLY VEERING ROUND" LONDON. Sept. 05 The Italian Government's spokesman states th:it Italy is firm and calm. It is believed that the world is slowly veering round to the Italian point of view.

Italian newspapers lay stress on the friendliness of Sir Samuel Hoare's message to Signor Mussolini and hint that Italy may be granted a mandate over Abyssinia by direct negotiation. The Geneva correspondent of the Times, however, states on the highest authority that Britain is opposed to negotiation with that object in view. BAN ON AGGRESSION PROMINENT ENGLISHMEN COLLECTIVE ACTION URGED LONDON. Sept. 25 Fifty prominent Englishmen, including Viscount Cecil, the Earl of Lytton, Mr. J. R- Clynes, Sir Norman Angell, the Bishop of Durham, Sir Walter Layton, Mr. John Masefield and Sir Herbert Samuel, have sent the following letter to M. Laval, Prime Minister of France: —

" We are determined to uphold the British Government in its decision to apply collective resistance tp aggression. This also is the determination of the majority of Englishmen. Collective resistance must be applied, not oniy in respect to Abyssinia, but against aggression in Europe and elsewhere. " The impressive demonstrations in France in favour of defending international justice have greatly encouraged us." MUST PREVENT WAR LLOYD GEORGE'S OPINION FORCE IF NECESSARY LONDON, Sept. 25 Mr. Lloyd George, speaking at Bristol. «aid that what had most frightened the Italians was the movements of tbe British Fleet in the Mediterranean. " That scared them, he said, "whereupon we immediately sent a message to ssiy that wo did not mean to hurt them. " France clearly does not intend to use more than mild economic sanctions, but Britain must, with the support of the rest of Europe, use force to cut otf Italian communications and to deI cline to permit the bombing of women I and children. If we fail to prevent war, J God help the human race!"

FOREIGN LEGION

ADVENTURERS IN ETHIOPIA LONDON. Sept. IB Writing from Addis Ababa. Mr. Noel Monk. Australian journalist, says: Eleven young soldiers of fortune arrfved in Addis Ababa tn-dav and were taken immediately to the Palace for an interview with the Emperor. Ihev are former officers of the Belgian armv who have bought themselves out in order to serve with the Ethiopian army and gain experience of real war There is now a complete Foreign Legion in Addis Ababa consisting of British. German, French. Swedish. Belgian and American adventureseekers, but only men of the highest credentials and perfect physical condition will be taken

1 would like to warn any Australians intending to come here with visions of romantic service under a black Emperor to sleep soundly on the idea. It is the world's most heart-breaking country and a rude awakening awaits anyone who comes to this plague spot expecting to find milk and honey as mentioned in the Bible.

1 have not bathed for eight weeks and the only place where swimming is possible is nlive with crocodiles, hippos and thirsty—and hungry—lions and leopards. All the water in Abyssinia can be drunk only after boiling. Death lurks in every drop that is not boiled.