ITALY’S DESTINY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22630, 23 July 1935, Page 9

ITALY’S DESTINY

GREAT PLACE IN THE WORLD LEADER’S DECLARATION (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) ROME, July 21. Interviewed by the Echo de Paris. Signor Mussolini declared that Europe would have two or three more years of relative tranquillity. He added : “My only desire is to serve my country, as did the great Englishmen who built up the British Empire. Europe is decadent and is not still worthy to fulfil a colonising mission. Italy is sure to impose her will, after which she will have a great place in the world.” THE SOMALILAND TROUBLE LONDON, July 21. The Addis Ababa correspondent of The Times says the Emperor did not attend the Abyssinian youtb demonstration, but all sections of the community made unanimously patriotic speeches, demonstrating the religious unity, in which all applauded the sentiment: “ Our flag is our colour. We blacks must unite.” This is the first occasion on which reference has been made to black unity against white aggression. The Italian Minister protested against the Emperor's speech and reserved the right to take further steps.—Times Cable.

LOAN FOR ABYSSINIA LONDON, July 21. (Received July 22, at 8.30 p.m.) “ I have come to raise an Abyssinian loan of two million sterling,” declared Dr , Azaj Martin, the new Abyssinian Minister in London, who was interviewed by the Daily Express. “We badly need the money, not only in the event of war but also to develop our vast economic and mineral resources. We are willing to lease mining oil concessions on an equitable basis.” Dr Martin said he also hoped to persuade Britain to support Abyssinia’s case and influence the League to enforce sanctions, including the closing of the Suez canal.

Asked if Abyssinia was prepared for war, he replied: “Ready to-day if need be. The whole of the people would will ingly die for the emperor. Even the feudal armies are equipped with reliable firearms and the Emperor’s troops are picked men; crack shots, equipped with ,the latest pattern service rifles. The only real danger is the air, but even that is exaggerated as there is nothing to bomb.” He denied that Abyssinia intended to use poisonous gas. He said, “It might be sanctioned in Europe, but Abyssinia considers it the lowest form of barbarism.”