ITALIAN CASE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22400, 22 April 1936, Page 13

ITALIAN CASE

WAR MUST CONTINUE NEGOTIATION CONDITIONS MR. EDEN ON LEAGUE'S DUTY By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright British Wireless RUGBY, April '2O In a speech at the public meeting of the Council of the League of Nations to-day Baron Aloisi declared that Italj r could not cease hostilities in Abyssinia until peace preliminaries were concluded and the security of her forces assured. Baron Aloisi said that never before had any Government shown such goodwill toward the League as that of Italy, which had never refused to take part in discussions under the aegis of the League. The Italian Government, however, felt bound to affirm its own principles and suggestions. Referring to the negotiations at Geneva, Baron .Aloisi contended that the Italian Government, by taking exception to the Lef.gue being present at the peace negotiations, had not acted in contravention of the spirit of the Covenant. Italy's var in Abyssinia was not only being waged with shells, but with the latest agricultural implements, and her military victory would bring civilisation to Abyssinia. The Italian delegate reaffirmed that the Italian proposals were not in conflict with international law or the Covenant of the League, and contended that they constituted the best method of reaching conciliation. He objected to the Committee of Thirteen, which, he said, was appointed for the purpose of conciliation and negotiation, and had constituted itself a judge. Failure of Appeal For Peace Mr. Eden, referring to the history of the conciliation efforts, said that it was unfortunate that the appeal for a cessation of hostilities had not been met in the spirit in whi:ih it was conceived. The British Government had endeavoured faithfully to fulfil her undertaking to take part in measures collectively and decided upon under the Covenant. "We were, and are, ready to do this," said Mr. Eden, "although always we have been conscious of the limits which are a consequence of the League's incomplete membership." Obligations had to be fulfilled, even though none could tell whether the fulfilment would be rapid enough cr effective enough to determine the issue as between aggressor and victim. The British Government always had been conscious of the limitation upon action by the League. The measures and shape of any collective action must therefore to some extent represent a compromise. "What may seem too slow to some may seem too fast to others," said Mr. Eden. "It is no use to ignore facts. The serious consequences for the League of the events of the last seven months can scarcely be exaggerated. Ethiopians Helpless Against Gas "The confidence' which the members of the League will feel justified in placing in this organisation in the future must, in large measure, be influenced by success or failure in the present instance. "In the view of the British Government it is the manifest duty of the members of the League at least to maintain those economic and financial sanctions already in force." Referring to the use of poison gas, Mr. Eden continued: "It is, however, in the judgment of the British Government impossible not to take account of the evidence which exists and which goes to show thai; poison gas has been used by the Italian armies in their campaign against tlie Abyssinians. The latter are utterly unprovided with any means of defence against this method of warfare, which has been outlawed by the nations." Responsibility of League Members Passing on to consider the future of the League in relation to the outcome of action in the present dispute, Mr. Eden said there was no nation represented there which might not at some time need the protection of the Covenant. "How much," he asked, "may the efficacy of that protection depend upon the final outcome of the present crisis? "The League to-day is in difficulties, and it is in time of difficulty that we most need our friends. Although the ideals on which the Covenant is based have not established themselves yet as a universally observed rule of international conduct, it is my profound conviction that they cannot be killed. They may not, as yet, at all times direct the actions of Governments, but undoubtedly they live in the hearts of men." Mr. Eden emphasised the responsibility which lay upon each one of them to ensure that they contribute to their utmost and within the limits prescribed by the Covenant to collective support of the authority of the League. "Only thus can we hope ultimately to establish in the world a rule of order in which aggression will not pay," said Mr. Eden.

SAD DAY FOR LEAGUE SECESSION AND DISRUPTION BOTH IN THE AIR AT GENEVA LONDON, April 20 Although sanctions were not specifically mentioned in the resolution passed by the League Council, they • were obliquely referred to in the section expressing regret that the war continues under conditions which involve tho execution of obligations under the Covenant. The Daily Herald's Geneva representative says ho regards the resolution as meaningless. It did not contain new sanctions, or even an attempt at reconciliation. The writer adds: " It is impossible to over-estimate the gravity of tho situation from the point of view of the League. Mr, Eden, although ho spoke carefully and in diplomatic terms, made this clear iri a speech regarded as a warning that .Britain is prepared to participate in collective security only if the other Powers are ready to make the Covenant work in all circumstances against an aggressor. Tho Manchester Guardian's Geneva correspondent says: "It has been a sad day for the League." He emphasises the same point, regarding Mr. Eden's remarks as ominous following M. Sarraut's recent similar hint* He adds: " Secession and disruption are in the air "