FAITH IN LEAGUE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22612, 2 July 1935, Page 9

FAITH IN LEAGUE

ABYSSINIAN EMPEROR DESIRE FOR PEACE MANIFEST (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraphy-Copyright) LONDON, June 30. The correspondent ■of the Sunday -Times at Addis Ababa interviewed the Emperor, who declared that Abyssinia had been .frustrated in her recent attempt to purchase munitions from France, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, and Denmark. Some shipments were being stopped at ports, although paid for. The Belgian Government explained that it thereby avoided reproach for participation in the rearmament of Abyssinia. The Emperor added indignantly“ Isn’t it worse to facilitate the accomplishment of • Italy’s violation of treaties and coercion of a free people who are weak in all resources except the • justice of their cause? Moreover, Italy is a great industrial country and is working day and night to equip her troops with modern weapons. Abyssinia is pastoral and., agricultural, and cannot do more than purchase a few rifles and guns- to prevent her soldiers entering war armed only with swords and spears.” A Sun message states that the Emperor still puts his faith in the League and the big Powers to prevent war. “We cannot prejudge the Italian attitude, but our desire for peace is absolutely manifest. Abyssinia will accord purely economic . concessions to private people or companies, but not to Governments. Italian citizens will be on an , entirely equal footing with other foreigners. " ITALY DECEIVING HERSELF ” ~ PARIS, June 30. “Italy is deceiving herself if she hopes to obtain a mandate over Abyssinia,” the Emperor told Le Matin’s Addis Ababa correspondent, adding: “ Even if some day Abyssinia comes under a mandate it will not be Italy who will be the’ mandatory Power.” The War Minister said the Abyssinian army numbered, 350,000. It would be possible to mobilise nearly 1,000,000 men in 15 to 30 days.