OIL SUPPLIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22319, 17 January 1936, Page 9

OIL SUPPLIES

EMBARGO PLAN PRESSURE ON ITALY BRITISH ATTITUDE MATTER FOR LEAGUE A POSSIBLE INQUIRY (By Telesrraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received January 1(>, 5.5 p.m.) (Times Cable LOXDON, Jan. 10 The British Cabinet yesterday discussed the proposed oil embargo against Italy with the knowledge that the economic measures already taken against that country are working with rapidly - increasing efficacy, says the political correspondent of the Times. As a member of tho League the British Government already has assented to the proposal that these measures should be extended by a refusal of oil supplies. This proposal stands, the only conditions attached to it being that it shall be a common undertaking by all the members of the League and that it shall not fail in its effect. If will be for tho league to institute the necessary inquiries to this end, especially in view of Mr. Roosevelt's now neutrality policy and the extreme complexity of the entire international system of oil supply, as to which the Cabinet considers that more information certainly is necessary. The Paris correspondent of the 'Times says it is not expected that the Frersch Government will take any initiative at Geneva regarding nn oil ■embargo. It is considered that the .easiest method of approaching the blatter would he for the president of the Committee of Eighteen to place it on the committee's agenda without calling upon any member State to take the initiative. The Daily Telegraph's political writer gays the probable outcome of the League Council's discussions is a full, expert inquiry into all the implications of an oil embargo under existing conditions before any decisive step is taken. This would be in accordance with the British Government's wishes. FEELING IN GENEVA PROPOSAL UNPOPULAR ANXIETY FOR PEACE LONDON. Jan. 15 In a despatch from Geneva to the iSews Chronicle, Mr. Vernon Bartlett states that although League circles are most anxious for peace, they consider that the points of view of the League and Italy are still so irreconcilable that negotiations at present can merely postpone the stricter enforcement of sanctions. There is a widespread belief that Britain,is anxious to abandon the proposed oil embargo. The Daily Mail's Rome correspondent says the Italians have not decided to send a delegation to Geneva. They consider the meeting on January 20 will be of slight importance and not likely to make final decisions. The same paper's Paris correspondent supports the general belief that the question of an oil sanction has been shelved. It is reported in Paris that Denmark will propose that the League Council appoint' a commission to inquire into the conduct of the Italo-Abyssinian war, stipulating that the investigation should not extend to a search for a settlement.

ITALIANS' PROBLEMS

GLOOMY GERMAN VIEW WAR CONSIDERED LOST BERLIN, Jan. 15 The German press echoes the General Raff's view that Signor Mussolini has Yost the 'war. The Frankfurter Zeitung refers to the unprecedented problems facing the Italian command and says time works for the Abyssinians. The paper states that Marshal Badoglio finds the territory endangered which he believed he had conquered. The Italian network of roads is a graveyard for tanks and motor vehicles. The provisioning of new divisions will add to Marshal Badoglio's difficulties. EXPORTS TO ITALY DECLINE IN BRITAIN RESULT OF SANCTIONS British 'Wireless RUGBY, <Tan. 15 The overseas trade figures for December again reveal a loss on exports to Italy suffered by British traders in consequence of the imposition of sanctions. Exports of coal to Italy in December amounted •to 19,098 tons, worth £14,000, compared with 420,373 tons, valued at £349,073 in the last month of 1934. No more than six tons of iron and steel left Britain for Italy last month, compared with 1272 tons 12 months before. GONDOLAS REAPPEAR VENETIAN CANALS ECONOMISING IN OIL Times Cable LONDON. Jan. 35 The Milan correspondent of the Times says sanctions have at least revived the romantic aspect of the Venetian canals. Mayors and prefects are replacing then motor-launches with time honoured two-oared gondolas in order to economise in oil. Steam launch services also have been reduced and gondolas are reappearing •everywhere. GOLD FOR IL DUCE SUBJECTS IN CAPETOWN CAPETOWN, Jiin. 15 The Italian community in Capetown has transmitted £2OOO worth of gold ornaments and 80 wedding rings to Signor Mussolini. All young Italians in the •city have volunteered.