METHODS OF WAR

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

METHODS OF WAR

MUTUAL ACCUSATIONS RESOLUTION BY COUNCIL PEACE STRONGLY URGED By Telegraph—Prosa Association—Copyright British Wireless RUGBY, April GO The Italian delegate to the League, Baron Aloisi, in his third speech of the day at the meeting of the Council, recalled that Italy long ago had denounced Abyssinian atrocities against Italian soldiers, workmen and women. He added: " If these had been denounced then by Mr. Eden world opinion would have been aroused and the war might have been conducted on a more humane, plane." The Abyssinian representative, Mr. Wolde Mariam, said that Abys sinia would reply in writing to these remarks. The chairman of the Council, Mr. Bruce, said the nations must continue pressure to end aggression. "If it is abandoned it .will lie a fatal .Mow to tlio whole principle of collective action and to the rule of law in human affairs," he remarked. Supreme Appeal to Italy The League Council, at its private session, considered the resolution drawn up by a number of " neutral " delegates. The last passage was the most important. It read: " The Council addresses to Italy a supreme appeal that, in view of the present circumstances which require tlie collaboration of all nations, she may bring to a solution of the conflict the spirit which the League expects from a founder member who also has a permanent seat on the Council. " The Council reaffirms that the protocol of June 17, 1925, regarding the use of asphyxiating, poisonous or other gases, and also other conventions regulating the methods of war, bind the two parties to the dispute, and calls attention to the importance given to the protocol by all the signatories, including Italy and Ethiopia." Baron Aloisi objected to the last paragraph in its original form, and secured a modification, so that the resolution indirectly condemned Abyssinian atrocities as well as Italy's use of poison gas. Adoption of the Resolution The early part of the resolution noted that the report of the Committee cf Thirteen approved and renewed the committee's appeal to the parties for a prompt cessation of hostilities and a restoration of peace. It noted that on April 5 Ethiopia, replying to this appeal, accepted the opening of negotiations subject to observance of the Covenant, and that on April 8 Italy agreed to negotiation in principle. The resolution regretted that the cessation of hostilities had not been realised, and that the war continued under conditions declared to bo contrary to the Covenant and involving the execution of obligations provided by the Covenant. Mr. Bruce, at the briof public session, put the resolution. Baron Aloisi announced that he would vote against it, and Mr. Wolde Mariam complained that the resolution did not protest against the war of extermination which Italy was waging against Ethiopia. The resolution was carried unanimously, the votes of Italy and Abyssinia not being counted.

CHRISTIAN HEROES SOLDIERS EULOGISED DUTY TO DEFEND COUNTRY (Received April 21. 9.25 p.m.) LONDON, April 21 "In the whole history of Christianity there have been no finer Christian heroes than soldiers," said the Secretary of State for War, Mr. A. Duff Cooper, in a speech at Manchester. Ho attacked those who were spreading abroad the theory that it was contrary to the Christian religion to fight for anything. He said he could find no authority in the Scriptures for that theory. "This is directly contrary to the whole history of the Church of England," said the Minister. "The time has come when the preachers of such doctrines should be denounced for heresy and be themselves reproved. Church leaders should say boldly that it is man's duty to defend his country." The European situation was graver than in 1914. The stakes also were higher. The fate of Empires was in the balance in 1914, but to-day it was the fate of civilisation.