FAITH IN LEAGUE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22435, 3 June 1936, Page 13

FAITH IN LEAGUE

FUGITIVE EMPEROB . JOURNEY TO EUROPE : CAUSE TO BE PLEADED By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received June 2, 7.55 p.m.) LONDON, June 2 The Ethiopian Emperor, Haili Selassie, -told a special correspondent of the News Chronicle on board the liner Orford, that his object in coming to Europe was to let the world know what happened in the war with Italy.

"I shflll ask them," said Haili Selassie,*"if it is right that Ethiopian civilisation, which is 25 centuries old, should be destroyed in 25 weeks with a barbarity which properly belongs to pre-Christian civilisation." The fugitive Emperor's stay at Gibraltar had in no way altered his plans, on the contrary it had convinced him that England was as faithful to her friends in adversity as in prosperity. "Are you then counting on Britain's support in the future?" the correspondent asked. Haili Selassie replied: "I have full confidence in England as in France and in all the other members.of the League who have ranged themselves on the side of justice. No conditions have been imposed limiting my activities in Europe." "Will you have the fullest liberty of action?" asked the interviewer. "Even the worst criminal is allowed to defend himself," replied Haili Selassie. "Surely then the victim of aggression which has been condemned by 52 nations can at least make clear the circumstances of that aggression." Haili Selassie said he was confident that Geneva would find a solution. Ethiopia's policy had not changed. She looked to the League as a member of the League to see that might did not conquer over right.