IMPASSE REACHED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22654, 20 August 1935, Page 9

IMPASSE REACHED

THREE-POWER CONFERENCE ITALY REJECTS PROPOSALS (British Official Wireless.) (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) RUGBY, August 17. The Three-Power Conference in Paris to-day reached an impasse when, at a meeting this afternoon, the Italian delegate (Baron Aloisi) informed Captain Eden and M. Laval of the instructions that he had received from Rome regarding the proposals submitted by France and Britain on Friday as a basis of dis cussion. It is unfortunately realised that the reply was not of a kind to enable further progress to be made. It is understood that the F rancoBritish suggestions were ot a comprehensive nature, and would have afforded Italy wide economic opportunities in Abyssinia and have safeguarded the frontiers of the Italian colonies and the security of the Italian settlers in Abyssinia. The two countries would have been prepared jointly to recommend an agreement on the lines proposed to the Abyssinian Government and to the League of Nations as a reasonable settlement consistent with treaty rights and the obligations of all parties and .the principles of the Covenant. As these proposals, which were * designed to meet the legitimate aspirations of Italy, have not been accepted by Signor Mussolini as a basis of discussion, the conference has virtually broken down. It is probable that the British delegation will return to London to-morrow. . An official communique was issued as follows:- _ . “M. Laval (representing France), Captain Eden (Britain) and Baron Aloisi (Italy) met in Paris to find means of peacefully settling the ItaloEthiopian difficulties. They have not been able to find a basis of discussion of the question permitting such solution of the conflict. The difficulties encountered during the examination of the suggestions put forward in the course of the discussion necessitated an adjournment of the study undertaken. _ It will be continued through diplomatic channels.” , FAILURE ADMITTED ■' _ PARIS, August 18. The Three-Power Conference ended in failure, the official communique admitting inability to find a basis for a peaceful solution of the Italo-Abyssinian conflict. subject to the maintenance of Abyssinian integrity and agreement of Abyssinia with the League. . The. question will not therefore be publicly examined until the League Council meets to consider the situat When the- conference reassembled late ... in the. afternoon there was an atmosphere of complete pessimism. It was suggested that Italy should be given a monopoly of economic exploitation and power to appoint advisers and heads of Abyssinian departments, including the army- Britain would be given control of the waters of Lake Tsana, and France’s rights to the Djibouti railway safeguarded. It is understood that Signor Mussolini uncompromisingly-'■ demanded- an Abvssinian mandate, which the British delegate vigorously opposed, while France sought a formula capable of satisfying both sides. ; • • • ■ A PROBLEM FOR FRANCE ... PARIS, August 18. M Gratien Candace, the negro deputy for Guadeloupe, and former Undersecretary for Colonies, warned M. Laval that France’s black subjects were solidly behind Abyssinia. War would provide the strongest stimulus to the solidarity of the coloured races, of which Japan considers herself the leader. ■ M. Candace states that M. Laval told him: “Do your utmost to avoid a conflict No secret agreement exists between France and Italy to allow Signor Mussolini a free hand in Abyssinia. AGAINST A COMPROMISE LONDON, August 18. The Observer’s Rome correspondent says that Italian opinion is hardening against a compromise. It is believed that the withdrawal of troops would en courage the Abyssinians to invade Italian colonies. PRAYER FOR PEACE LONDON, August IS. An Addis Ababa copyright message to The Times says that contemporaneously with prayers in American churches for the peace and independence of Ethiopia, the Emperor and Empress, the Duke of Harrar, and Ministers and ladies of the court attended Mass at St. Giorghi’s Cathedral and took part in the Communion, the Bishops Abuna and Chegi officiating amid scenes of impressive splendour. The Emperor, after Mass, withdrew to the west, the Empress to the south. Bishop Chegi to the north and Bishop Abuna to the . east section of the octagonal cathedral and prayed before ikons. Civilians addressed the vast crowd in St. Giorghi’s Square, cover ing all sides of the hill. The benediction followed. The Emperor kissed the cross and Bishop Abuna’s hand, donned his ’ shoes, and departed under a green umbrella, accompanied by a bodyguard who ran beside his motor car to the palace. The Empress followed in a veiled automobile, officials clearing the route, with staves. ZULUS TO ASSIST ABYSSINIA LADYSMITH, August 18. Chief Walter Kumalo has offered to raise a picked regiment of Zulus to fight on behalf of Abyssinia if attacked. *‘TO MAKE A CONQUEST” NAPLES, August 18. Signor Mussolini, reviewing Blacß Shirts at Benevento, said that ' those going to East Africa were going to make a conquest. He declared that speeches must be abolished in an hour which was solemn for them and decisive for the nation. He added: “You will march, crushing all obstacles until you reach the goal set for you.” The. Black Shirts roared: “We are ready.” Signor Mussolini replied: “The Italian people will preserve that formidable cry in their hearts." CHURCH LEADERS’ VIEWS LONDON. August 18. (Received August 19, at 7 p.m.) The Archbishop of York, in a letter to The Times, urges that Britain should leave no doubt regarding her intention to operate the League machinery, if the other nations join her. Mr George Lansbury in a letter urges the Archbishop of Canterbury to take the lead in an appeal to the Pope to

convoke a congress of every phase of Christian thought at Jerusalem and call a Truce of God from the Mount of Calvary. The Bishop of Exeter, In an article in the Daily Mail, fears that war is inevitable and advises curtailing it to the utmost possible extent. “ For that reason all must refrain from insulting Italy. Good might be done if opinions were expressed from a fellow-sinner’s viewpoint, indicating that we are blameworthy in reserving great territories in Australia and elsewhere which we cannot pretend to cultivate, while Italy and others cannot expand. An atmosphere of peace might then be produced.” CONGESTION IN THE SUEZ ITALIAN SHIPS WITH TROOPS LONDON, August 18. (Received August 19, at 7 p.m.) The Paris correspondent of The Times says: “ The Anglo-French proposals should have given Signor Mussolini ample cause for satisfaction as he would have peacefully obtained < -onomic advantages which should have satisfied Italian aspirations for years to come. The conditions accompanying the offer were probably the stumbling block. Britain and France insisted that the political integrity of Abyssinia must be, respected and the League and Abyssinia must accept a fipal scheme of settlement.” The Daily Mail’s Paris correspondent says; “ Signor Mussolini did not eve;, discuss the conference’s proposal, but reiterated that Abyssinia so endangered the Italian colonies that the only effective remedy was Italian occupation oi strategic points in the Abyssinian uplands.”. The Daily Telegraph’s Port Said correspondent says: “The first Italian tanks passed through the Suez canal, whi-h continues to be congested with Italian shipping conveying additional troops, and large numbers of mules and motor cars.” ITALY’S DETERMINATION \ i . ROME, August 18. (Received August 19, at 8 p.m.) Italy was relieved at the termination of the unpopular three-Power conference and does not desire any form of compromise. She is determined on a resounding victory to wipe out the memory of. Adowa, with economic and political control over Abyssinia, backed by an army of occupation. MARKETS DISTURBED LONDON. August 19. (Received August 19, at 11.30 p.m.) The Daily Telegraph’s Bombay correspondent says: “ The Abyssinian uncertainty is disturbing markets and one operator unloaded £370,000 of Government bonds.”