POISON GAS

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

POISON GAS

DENIAL OF USE ROME WRITER'S ARTICLE COMMITTEE CHALLENGED RIGHT OF INVESTIGATION By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received April 10, 5.5 p.m.) Times Cable LONDON, April 9 The Rome correspondent of the Times states that Signor Gayda, in a long, inspired article in II Giornale d'ltalia, denies that the Italians are using poison gas in East Africa. The writer alleges that British firms are supplying the Abyssinians with gas and other war chemicals, and he challenges the competency of the Committee of Thirteen to inquire into 'the matter. Signor Gayda asserts that tho charge against Italy of using poison gas is merely intrigue to rob her of tho fruits of victory, and that persuasive proof of the charge is wanting. Photographs of burned bodies of Abyssinians prove nothing. The burns may have been caused by flame-throwers or incendiary bombs, tho use of which is not forbidden by the Geneva protocol of 1925. Tho burns may also have been caused by gas used by the Abyssinians themselves in an unsuccessful attempt to employ it against tho Italians, says Signor Gayda. Even if Italy had employed gas she would only have retaliated against the Abyssinian atrocities, which had been received in Geneva with supreme indifference, even with silent satisfaction. The writer points out that the Geneva protocol does not exclude tho right of reprisals. Other countries, including Britain and Spain, have used gas in colonial warfare without even motives of reprisal.

Finally, Signor Gayda argues that the signatory Powers of the Geneva protocol can take action against an alleged violation of the protocol only when they are directly injured by it. « "The Committee of Thirteen has no moral right to investigate the question," adds Signor Gayda, "because it has shown itself to be swayed by political motives. The proper investigating body is the International Committee of the Red Cross Society." A message from Geneva states that Mr. Eden, in addressing the Committee of Thirteen, fervently appealed to the Italians and the Abvssinians not to use gas. He suggested that both should give pledges for the future. Britain did not subscribe to the idea that it did not matter what was taking place so long as it was only in Africa. It is revealed that Italy so far has transported 200 tons of gas to East Africa via the Suez Canal.

British chemical firms categorically deny that they have ever supplied poison gas to the Abyssinians.

ABYSSINIA'S STAND DISCUSSION OF PEACE ONLY 1 THROUGH THE LEAGUE (Received April 10, 5.5 p.m.) GENEVA, April 9 Mr. Eden received the Abyssinian delegate, who stated that Abyssinia is ready to talk peace under the auspices of the League provided that the settlement is within the spirit of the Covenant. In no circumstances will Abyssinia negotiate with Italy direct. JURISTS' OPINION CONDUCT OF INQUIRY TASK FOR LEAGUE COUNCIL (Received April 10, 5.5 p.m.) GENEVA. April 9 Jurists have reported to the Committee of Thirteen that it is not the proper body to consider Italy's alleged violation of the poison gas convention. They say it is a matter for the League Council, thus enabling Italy, to assist to judge her own case. FRANCE AND SANCTIONS t ATTITUDE CLARIFIED (Received April 10, 5.5 p.m.) ROME, April 9 The French Ambassador to-day saw the Italian Foreign Under-Secretary., Signor Suvich, and is reported to have clarified France's attitude regarding sanctions.