NO COMPROMISE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22628, 20 July 1935, Page 13

NO COMPROMISE

THE SOMALILAND TROUBLE ITALY REPUDIATES EQUALITY (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, July 18. The Morning Post’s Rome correspondent says that if the League Council supports the suggestion of a compromise between Italy and Abyssinia as co-equais at Geneva Italy will not tolerate such an assumption of equality. Italy expects the League to expel Abyssinia from Geneva, otherwise Italy will leave. A UNITED ABYSSINIA ADDIS ABABA, July 18. The Emperor, addressing Parliament, said that, although Italy possessed all the weapons of modern warfare, she would yet see how a united Abyssinia could defend her territory. The Emperor, reviewing the troops, said: “ God will be your shield. Your Sovereign is with you, and will not hesitate to shed his blood in defence of your country’s independence.” ABYSSINIA’S RIGHTS (British Official,Wireless.) RUGBY, July 18. Replying in the House of Commons to a question regarding the maintenance of Abyssjnia’s rights as a member of the League of Nations, Captain Eden said his Majesty’s Government, in endeavouring to further an amicable settlement of the Italo-Ethiopian dispute, had had, and would continue to have, full regard for the rights and obligations of States which are members of the League of Nations. THE FRENCH ATTITUDE LONDON, July 18. (Received July 10, at 8 p.m.) The Morning Post’s Paris correspondent says: “ France considers that whatever the rights and wrongs of the ItaloAbyssinian dispute, the whole problem is of secondary importance compared with the European situation, for a satisfactory solution of which the co-opera-tion of Italy is essential to her, especially regarding the Austrian problem. France will not therefore consent to risk the friendship of Italy on account of Abyssinia, though the question of League principle is involved. Abyssinia’s conquest by Italy, in the French view, would be a lesser blow to the League than the Italian exit from Geneva.” ITALIAN SOLDIERS’ PAY ROME, July 19. (Received July 19, at 9 p.m.) Signor Mussolini is aiming to maintain the morale of the troops in East Africa by increasing the pay, privates receiving Is 8d a day compared with one and three-fifths of a penny in Italy, corporals 2s and corporal-majors 2s 4d. If in Somaliland the troops will receive an additional 4d each, in addition to increased rations and improved postal services.

“THE LEAGUE’S POLICEMAN”

LONDON, July 19. (Received July 19, at 10 p.m.) Mr Euan Wallace (Civil Lord of the Admiralty), speaking at Malton, declared the Government did not intend to be the League’s sole policeman. It was not going to be stampeded by belligerent pacifists into aggressiveness regarding the Italo-Abyssiniau dispute. BRITISH PROPOSALS REJECTED THE “COLONIAL PROVINCES” (From Our Own Correspondent.) (By Air Mail) LONDON, June 29. “The Ethiopian question was also examined ” is all we know officially of the conversations between Mr Eden and Signor Mussolini on the subject of the trouble between Italy and Abyssinia. The rest is conjecture by the various newspaper correspondents. It appears (says The Times correspondent) from inquiries made in both British and Italian quarters that the points of view of the two countries were set out with the greatest frankness on either side. So far as can be gathered the conversation had done little or nothing at present towards facilitating a solution of the problem. It is believed, although no official confirmation is obtainable, that Mr Eden put forward certain suggestions, but that they did not commend themselves to Signor Mussolini. \

According to one report, which comes from a good source, the British suggestions were based upon the broad principle that Great Britain and Italy should, in accordance with the terms of the 1925 exchange of Notes, undertake to support one another in the promotion of their economic interests within recognised spheres, of influence, and that Great Britain'should grant to Abyssinia an outlet to the sea at Zeila, in British Somaliland. Thjs report is given only for what it is worth. What,, in any case, is positive is that any suggestions that may have been put forward were not found acceptable. It is not known whether Signor Mussolini explained in complete detail his ultimate intentions towards Abyssinia, but the impression still persists that his fundamental and frequently proclaimed determination to insist once for all upon a final settlement of all outstanding grievances against Abyssinia is unshaken. If an article in the Affari Esteri, which is Attracting much comment, can be taken as reflecting Italian official opinion, then Signor Mussolini appears determined to raise the old question of the status of Abyssinia under Articles 10 and 19 of the Covenant of the League at the August meeting of the League with the alternative of Italian withdrawal from Geneva. Some weeks ago several articles, obviously inspired by official sources, were printed in the Italian press pointing out that Abvssinia proper is a much smaller country than the empire conquered comparatively recently by Menelik, and dwelling on the “ unfortunate consequences ” to the Moslem and nonAbyssinian inhabitants of their subjection to Addis Ababa. NO COMPROMISE These arguments have been used again this week in the Italian papers, and evidently represent an intention to bid for Moslem support in the event of a war with Abyssinia. If this supposition is correct (remarks The Times correspondent) and Italy aims at occupying the “colonial provinces” of Abyssinia, then it can easily be understood why such suggestions as Mr Eden was authorised to put forward were rejected by Signor Mussolini. Various versions of what Mr Eden proposed are circulating freely in diplomatic circles, but almost all agree in attributing to him the proposal, with others, that Great Britain should allow Abyssinia a port at Zeila. Italy would not entertain such a suggestion, as it

would mean that Abyssinia would be enabled freely to import arms. Moreover, Zeila would become a rival to Jibuti, and so the plan would be anything but well regarded by the French. In any case the knowledge that Mr Eden’s proposals, whatever they were, were resolutely rejected by Signor Mussolini has once again confirmed the view of those observers who have maintained sil along that Italy will not be content with anything short of a complete control over, if not actual acquisition of, Abyssinia, and that rather than accept any compromise she will not hesitate to leave tin League of Nations. Nevertheless, there are still many people who are earnestly seeking to find a solution through the League and so to spare that institution the severe shock which it could hardly fail to receive from the defection of Italy.

“WEATHER KEEPS THE PEACE”

A point made by the Evening Standard in its criticism of Great Britain’s interference in European affairs is worthy of consideration. “A few weeks ago,” says this journal, " the appointment at Geneva of * a Conciliation Committee’ to investigate a minor aspect of the Abyssinian affair was hailed as a triumph for the League of Nations and Mr Eden. Since the principal causes of the dispute were untouched in the committee’s terms of reference, its appointment was a triumph for nobody except Signor Mussolini. It merely postponed the danger of actual hostilities until the autumn, by which time the cessation of the annual rains in Abyssinia would create conditions more favourable to a military campaign. The weather, not Mr Eden, was keeping the peace.” This is what the Evening Standard said at the time, and it now maintains that events have justified the comment.

CASUALTIES IN EAST AFRICA In the meantime troops continue to leave Italy for Italian East Africa. A list of the names of those officers and men who have died in East Africa is published this week in the Italian newspapers. It is stated, that from January 1 to June 25, on account of flying accidents, incidents of various kinds, and disease, seven officers and 30 n.c.o.’s and men have lost their lives. In announcing these figures, moat of the newspapers remark how low they are and how completely they disprove the rumours as to the prevalence of disease among the troops.