BRITAIN THANKED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22412, 7 May 1936, Page 11

BRITAIN THANKED

AID TO AMERICA LEGATION EVACUATED ITALIAN ASSURANCES FOREIGNERS' SAFETY By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received May 6, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK. May 5 The Washington correspondent of the New York Times states that President Roosevelt and Mr. Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, expressed relief at to-day's developments in Addis Ababa. The United States Legation was evacuated under British protection and later reoccupied as the Italian troops arrived in the city and took the situation in hand. The defence of the Legation and its relief by the British were described by Mr. Roosevelt as "dramatic and amazing." Mr. Hull transmitted to London the nation's official thanks for the aid extended. Also he sent queries to Pome, whence he received assurances that the Italian army of occupation would protect foreign lives and property. Question of Recognition of Italy With the apparent safety of the American Minister, Mr. C. van Engert, and his staff, a question arose informally to-day regarding diplomatic recognition of whatever regime Italy initiates in Ethiopia. Both Mr. Roosevelt and Mr. Hull declined to comment, merely saying that Mr. Engert was remaining indefinitely, pending a clarification of the situation. The indications are that the Government will await a determination of policy by Britain and other countries more directly interested before reaching a decision. Officially tho Roosevelt Administration still adheres to the Stimson policy —the non-recognition of territories acquired by force. Whether it will be necessary to invoke this policy or to discard it of course depends upon future developments. The State Department refused to answer all questions regarding it. Defenceless State of Legation The necessity for the American Legation to solicit aid is receiving considerable comment in the press, which is divided between praise of tho British and condemnation of the United States Government for failing to anticipate the possibility of such a situation and to provide adequate defence. A member of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Edith Rogers (Republican —Massachusetts), said she would introduce a motion in Congress tomorrow instructing the State Department to give full information as to the steps taken to defend the Legation, together with an explanation why it was left "practically defenceless and virtually unarmed." Mrs. Rogers is a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.