WAR IN ABYSSINIA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22391, 11 April 1936, Page 8

WAR IN ABYSSINIA

••PRECIPITATED BY FRANCE" OVERSEAS VISITOR'S VIEW The view that the war between Italy fend Abyssinia had been precipitated by Trance as a means of keeping the Italian forces engaged in Africa was Expressed by Dr. C. A. Riedel, a retired medical practitioner who was born and practised in Germany, and who arrived in New Zealand last week. His comment on the Italo-Abyssinian fconflict was made in an interview in Wellington. He characterised the position as a "perfect trap," and said the engagement in Abyssinia would weaken Italy , financially for a long time to tome. Apart from that, Italy had its forces away from its own land. As realisation of part of his dream to rebuild the Roman Empire, Mussolini wanted anything French, said Dr. Riedel. Tunis was the goal of the Italians, and an invasion had been prepared. They wanted most of France's property, and it was their dream to make Italy master of the Mediterranean. In view of that, M. Laval, former/ French Foreign Minister, was ready to agree to anything that would pssist to frustrate Mussolini's purpose. He gave him more territory in the (southern Sahara and in Libya, and a 25 per cent share in the railways. 'Although France remained chairman of the railways, Italy was the most powerful deputy. , . . m . . Until now the population in Tunisia had been mainly French, but Mussolini was leaving many Italians in that territory and their descendants would remain Italian citizens. It had been M. Laval's aim to get Mussolini away from Tunisia and into Abyssinia. Even Britain was aware that the occupation of Abyssinia by the Italians constituted a certain danger in the future. "The strategy of M. Laval lay in keeping Britain's eyes on Italy, but Britain •wanted peace, and needed Italy for the preservation of peace among the nations. "I am satisfied that the danger of ■war between Britain and Italy is over," said Dr. Riedel, "but I think that Mussolini will be engaged in Abyssinia for at least 10 years."