PEACE HOPES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22392, 13 April 1936, Page 9

PEACE HOPES

SERIOUS BLOW ITALY STANDS ALOOF GENEVA DISCUSSIONS WARFARE IN AFRICA POISON GAS PROBLEM By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright GENEVA. April 10 The Committee of Thirteen met privately to day to consider the report of the chairman, Scnor Madariaga, on his conversations with Baron Aloisi, the Italian delegate, also to discuss further action in regard to the allegations about the use of poison gas in the Abyssinian war. It is understood that hopes of an armistice have been shattered owing to Italy's inflexibility.

Baron Aloisi told Senor Madariaga that he was not authorised even to discuss the subject. He had come to Geneva solely to attend the meeting of Locarno Powers, after which lie would immediately return to Rome.

Baron Aloisi, reminding Senor Madariaga of Signor Mussolini's invitation that he should visit Rome, again emphasised Italy's willingness to send a delegate to Geneva after Easter.

During the course of the committee's discussions, the British Foreign Minister, Mr. Eden, supported by (Senor Madariaga, strongly opposed the adjournment for Easter. They desired that the committee should remain in permanent session and keep a close watch on Senor Madariaga's discussions. Other delegates, including the French Foreign Minister, M. Flandin, pleaded for the adjournment to enable them to leave Geneva, whereupon tho committee adjourned until April 16. Mr. Eden and M. Flandin Differ

Senor Madariaga is not accepting Signor Mussolini's invitation to go to Rome, but will make contact with the Ttalians directly they arrive in Geneva after Easter.

It is understood that in the course of the committee's discussions, M. Flandin and M. Titulescu (Rumania) expressed the opinion that the League should keep its hands off the peace negotiations as much as possible. Mr. Eden pointed out that Abyssinia insisted upon negotiations within the framework of the League, and if Italy offered drastic terms outside tho League the negotiations probably would collapse. M. Flandin warmly replied that in that event the League would know that Abyssinia was responsible for prolonging the war. Mr. Eden heatedly retorted that the League was faced with an aggressor and a victim, and could not refuse to support the latter. The committee also received a communication from tho International Red Cross Committee refusing the League's request for information about alleged gas attacks and bombings. The Red Cross, on the ground that it was itself inquiring about the matter, stated that it could not hand over documentary material for an inquiry bearing partly on the same facts, and added that it was prepared to send a mission to Abyssinia to watch for violations of international agreements. Mr. Eden vigorously criticised the Red Cross for its refusal to supply information. After the adjournment of the committee Abyssinia sent a Note to the League alleging that poison gas had been used at Dagabur and Sasa Baneh, and that 80 victims were suffering horribly. Abyssinia also requested the committee to hear a Pole, Dr. Belau, a former prisoner of the Italians, who compelled him, under threat of death, to sign a false statement concerning the bombing of the American Red Cross hospital at Dessye. Italy sent a further memorandum to the League alleging atrocities on Italian prisoners and adding that these should prevent Abyssinians complaining about the Italians.

FURTHER PARLEYS ITALY MAY PARTICIPATE DIRECT TALKS PREFERRED (Received April 12. 6.45 p.m.) ROME, April 12 Although it is alleged that Mr. Eden is trying to rob Italy of the fruits of victory, it is understood that Italy will bo represented at the peace talks, possibly on Tuesday, but she would prefer direct negotiations with Abyssinia. It is understood that Italy will not participate in the military conversations of the Locarno Powers.