A NEUTRAL ZONE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22503, 22 February 1935, Page 9

A NEUTRAL ZONE

THE SOMALILAND DISPUTE PARTIES AGREE TO PRINCIPLE (British Official Wireless) (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) • RUGBY, February 20. The news reaching London has caused more hopeful views to be taken of the Italian-Abyssinian situation. The suggestion that a neutral zone should be created between the Abyssinian . and Italian regions would seem to have been accepted by both parties in principle. It is a suggestion that has. received every possible encouragement from French and British representatives at Addis Ababa. Other difficulties remain to be solved, but these are not considered insurmountable. ITALIAN PRECAUTIONS ROME, February 20. An additional 750 soldiers, specialists in road building and electrical work, have embarked for East Africa. It is authoritatively learned that Signor Mussolini has decided to reinforce the troops and take precautionary measures, and requisitioned two 24,000-ton ships to transport 15,000 regular fighting troops. Embarkation will begin this week. NEW ITALY'S MARTIAL FACE ■ ~-•'■ ROME, February 20. (Received Feb. 21, at 5.5 p.m.) The Committee of Defence has issued a communique dealing with Italy's preparedness for war. It.states that the committee has taken all peace-time precautions to ensure victory in war time, and adds: "Italy can be more self-sup-porting that previously. She has sufficient food and can develop her iron and lead resources, and will develop hydraulic power." The Popolo d'ltalia, under the heading of " New Italy," publishes a leader attributed to Signor Mussolini, saying: " The oleographies of old Italy must be abandoned, particularly abroad. Rifles, machine guns and cannons must supersede musical instruments. The new style inay surprise old journalism, but it is time to recognise the martial face of new Italy. International public opinion is at least a generation behind in judging things. New tests are necessary in order to correct old opinions, and now that the military, machine is moving new Italy answers with firm decision and heroic sentiment of duty." HITCH' IN NEGOTIATIONS ROME, February 20. (Received Feb. 21, at 5.5 p.ni.) The plans for the despatch of troops' coincide with statements of a hitch in negotiations and Ras Tafari's apparent disdain of previous preparations. MORE ITALIAN TROOPS NAPLES, .February 21. (Received Feb. 22, at 0.30 a.m.) One thousand troops sailed for'East Africa, and 15,000 will move during the week-end from Sicily.