ITALY AND EUROPE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22461, 3 July 1936, Page 11

ITALY AND EUROPE

TERMS FOR COLLABORATION

SIGNOR GAYDA'S THREAT

(Received July 2, 5.25 p.m.) Times Cable LONDON, July 2

The Rome correspondent of the Times says the Italian memorandum to the League guarantees "fair treatment in Abyssinia for the trade of all countries" but according to Signor Gayda, editor of 11 Giornale d'ltalia, this is to be made dependent upon the recognition of Italian sovereignty over Abyssinia. Signor Gayda also asserts that in addition to the lifting of sanctions, there must be a revision of the League's aggression verdict before Italy can resume full Collaboration in Europe. The nations are again warned that the turning point has been reached and that the choice must be made between co-operation with Italy and policies that will "drive Italy back upon the defensive, but not passive, positions." The choice, Signor Gayda says, rests with each sanctionist Government individually and cannot be circumvented by "fictions of collectivity."

ATTITUDE OF FRANCE

PRIME MINISTER'S ADDRESS

DENIAL OF WEAKENING

GENEVA, July 1

The first speaker at this morning's session of the Assembly of the League of Nations was the French Prime Minister, M. Blum. He asked to be excused if he spoke frankly. He fully realised that France's influence in European affairs had waned since he had assumed power.

The recent strikes and the occupation of the Rhineland by Germany had given the impression that France was declining, but public opinion was wrong. There was never tho slightest possibility of the strikes leading to civil war.

The occupation of the Rhineland was wrongly interpreted, as meaning that Franco would tolerate anything. On tho contrary, France had not mobilised, as she remained loyal to Locarno and the League, but if the soil of France, or of those to whom Franco had obligations, were violated France's reply would be different.

The recent strikes should not be taken as a sign of French weakness in the face of possible aggression. Never before was the atmosphere so heavy, and it was rendered still more oppressive on account of the mystery in certain countries regarding rearmament.

War was now considered to be a definite possibility lor the first time in years. One of the most alarming symptoms had been the growing impression that countries Were ignoring pacts and obligations to gain advantage over those who were faithful to covenants.

"Shall wo bo able to resist the success of those who aro discarding their obligations?" asked M. Blum. " My Government denies that war is a legitimate method of settling international disputes. Franco wants peace, but will not remain silent before force or recognise victories gained by force. "The League certainly has experienced failure and has proved powerless to stop aggression, or even to end a war of aggression, but this is not due to the faulty drafting of the Covenant, but to the uncertain and belated application of it.

"Franco will not permit a weakening of the League," continued M. Blum. "On tho contrary, sho is prepared to consider any scheme to tighten up the Covenant, and will not spare any effort to restore international confidence." M. Blum concluded with an exhortation to general disarmament by means of progressive reduction. His speech proved disappointing and is regarded as having been too idealistic, and addressed to Germany in language she does not comprehend. M. Blum barely mentioned the Abyssinian problem. Senor Solis (Panama) wound up tho morning session by declaring that international law could not progress more rapidly than civilisation.