ITALY NOT SATISFIED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22711, 25 October 1935, Page 9

ITALY NOT SATISFIED

+++ SIR SAMUEL HOARE’S SPEECH NOTHING CONCRETE OR PRACTICAL ESSENCE OF THE PROBLEM BRITAIN’S POSITION AT GENEVA (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, October 24, (Received October 25, at 1.30 a.m.) The Times Rome correspondent says: “Although Sir Samuel Hoare’s speech pleased Italy, something ‘ concrete and practical ’ is still demanded. The sanctions machine, it is emphasised, continued to function unchecked, and Rome could not speak of real relaxation of tension until the machine showed at least some signs of being stopped. The fundamental Italian argument is that the essence of the problem still lies in the position taken up at Geneva by Britain. Nobody, it is affirmed, denies Britain’s right to take a leading part in the League, but it is maintained that Britain, not content with the leading role, has imposed her views and wishes upon other nations. Consequently, the main issue, it is still argued, is not so much between Italy and the League as between the different interpretations given to the Covenant by Britain and Italy. The possibility of * conciliation is therefore viewed with some hesitancy. Abyssinia is still considered almost a minor factor in the situation, as it is assumed that she will always end by adopting British suggestions. This also suits the Italian argument that the League as a whole is equally in the British pocket. The general conclusion thus reached is that, if the British professions of goodwill are tp mean anything, the Italian case must be studied afresh and the hasty, unjust standpoints hitherto taken up against Italy revised.”

BRITAIN’S PEACE EFFORTS HOUSE OF COMMONS DEBATE v . - * . (British Official Wireless) RUGBy, October 23. Jn the resumed debate on the international situation in the House of Commons, the Prime Minister affirmed support of the united Pabinet for Sir Samuel Hoare and (faptain Eden in their conduct of international affairs, and also referred to the general support they had received from the Governments of the dominions. This unanimity was a fact of remarkable importance. The Government was following the only possible course of action —absolute loyalty to the Covenant —and with that also readiness to take advantage of any legitimate opportunity for a settlement. Replying to critics in yesterday’s debate, Mr Baldwin denied that the

the power to remedy those deficiencies that have accrued in our defensive services since the war. f I am giving my own view to the House, as I shall to the country, and await its verdict.” Mr Baldwin said that the system of collective security was still incomplete and inadequate, but looking to the future he trembled to think what might be the state of Europe if some form of collective security could not he devised, and he recalled his statement at Worcester on Saturday that, even if the League proved inadequate this time, it behoved them more than ever to see what steps they could take to make it adequate for the future. In the speeches which followed Mr L. S. Anjery and Mr Lloyd George both proved critical of the Government’s policy, the former summing up his remarks in the sentence: “Let us strengthen our defences and beware how We enter on unnecessary quarrels.” A Liberal member, Mr Isaac Foot, paid a high tribute to the work of the Foreign Secretary and Captain Eden at Geneva. When Captain Eden intervened In the debate he said lie thought Mr Lloyd George had seemed rather anxious to create an atmosphere of suspicion. There was no mystery at all about the work which had* been done at Geneva under Article 10 of the Covenant. He gave an account of the negotiations to show that there was not a shred of justification for the charge of dilatoriness which had been levelled against the Government, and that from the beginning of the Ttalo-Ethiopian dispute until the present time the Government had used all its influence, and used it without respite, to bring about a settlement which might be acceptable to the parties and consistent with the Covenant of the League. Captain Eden said that each time the negotiations had failed through the refusal of the Italian Government to accept even as a basis for discussion the proposals put forward. Replying to an interjection by Mr Lloyd George, Captain Eden said the only assurance, if assurance it could be called, which had been given the Italian Government was that Britain would take no action alone, but only collectively. Captain Eden concluded: “If a settlement is not reached the House should not under-estimate the effectiveness of the step on which the League will be embarking. For the first time in the history of the world an attempt is being made to operate an international system based, not upon power, but on certain fixed principles of equity. This is an adventure in which we might all be proud to play our part.” HOUSE OF LORDS DEBATE LONDON, October 23. In the House of Lords the Earl of Stanhope, commenting on. Lord Motfcistone’s speech, said the commission suggested by Lord Mottistone was superfluous and would get little further information. He expressed the opinion that it was possible that proposals for a settlement of the Italo-Abyssinian dispute might be made early in 103 G, which was the worst possible time to be holding an election. Lord Lothian said he was horrified that the Earl of Stanhope was not contemplating the appreciable effect of economic sanctions until 1930. The’Liberal leader (Earl Crewe) expressed the view that the breach by Italy of her obligation under the Pact of Paris was even more serious than the breach of the Covenant of the League, not merely because it was a more recent obligation, but because its terms were more definite and explicit than those of the Covenant. The League, if it were to retain any prestige, must see this thing through. He hoped,' therefore, that the Government, in conference with other members, would continue to press for—even insist on-—an early discussion of 'what the terms of the final settlement were to be. Those terms ought not to depend upon the success or failure of the Italian campaign. A settlement ought to be considered in the abstract, without reference to what might happen in Abyssinia. Lord Hardinge said Italy’s aggressive attack could not be sufficiently condemned, but he had no sympathy with the Abyssinian Government, which had broken its pledges just as Italy had done and had entirely ignored the conditions under which it entered the League of Nations. He urged the Government to refrain from any sanctions which might be interpreted as being of a military character and might precipitate war.

Foreign Secretary’s appeal for the use of a breathing space before the application of sanctions for another attempt at a settlement was “ a loophole for going behind the back of the League.” Nothing of the kind was intended. The settlement must be one fair alike to the three parties —Italy, Abyssinia and the League of Nations itself. “If any settlement can be arrived at that may considerably shorten the duration of the

war and relieve the world of the fear that the war may spread, it may be worth any endeavour provided those three principles can be maintained,” he said. It was perfectly obvious that what might have been possible in the League as originally contemplated was not possible if it existed without several great States. But despite these circumstances and the tremendous difficulties of the situation, the League had done better in the crisis than could have been expected, and, he added, no isolated action on the part of Britain had ever been in contemplation. The Prime Minister then turned to the question of defence. “The lessons of this crisis have made it clear that in the interests of world peace it is essential that our defensive services should be stronger than they are to-day. When' I say that, I am not speaking of any unilateral rearmament directed either in reality or imagination against any particular country. I am speaking of strengthening 'the defensive services within the framework of the League for the sake of international peace and not for selfish ends. A greater measure of preparedness is necessary to meet risks that are inherent in the situation. I have often heard the phrase that a country ought to be prepared to take risks for peace. We are taking risks for peace, but I say this deliberately: I am all in favour, and the Government is all in favour, for it sees no other course than to adopt the policy of collective security •o far as the League can carry it out to-day, and I am convinced that the country is behind us; but while I am prepared to pursue that policy with all my heart and soul I shall not pursue it, nor be responsible for the conduct ef the Government, if I am not given

ABYSSINIANS DISAPPOINTED ADDIS ABABA, October 23. The Abyssinians arc most disappointed. They hoped that Britain would devise semi-military sanctions, as they consider that economic sanctions will prove ineffective. The tribesmen are becoming restive at the inactivity especially as their faith in the League has been dissipated. It is generally considered that if a battle is long delayed it will be impossible to hold the armies together. The Emperor’s advisers are urging him to order an advance. FRENCH PRESS COMMENT PARIS, October 23. Several newspapers attribute what they describe as Britain s change of policy to the French Note which wellinformed circles declare gave only the most restricted promises to support Britain in the Mediterranean, did not offer to allow Britain to use Toulon and Bizerta and implied unwillingness to support a blockade. The Note emphasises that France would give Britain assistance in the event of attack only after such sanctions wore decided by the League. AVIATORS FOR ETHIOPIA HONOLULU, October 23. Baron Corneille Hubei t dc mey Dalkemade sailed for Auckland on the Lurline yesterday with two American flyers who were recruited here for the Ethiopian Air Force. Ho claims that six others are following. The Americans have been warned that they will lose their citizenship because of the American neutrality law. The baron bought, uniforms here, claiming that Anzac flyers were ready to join his escadrillc. He was denied admission to the mainland of the United States and Canada. The baron wore a uniform with wings and ornate insignia. With him are Edmund H. Harvey, related to the Dupont munition-making family, and John H. Goodson, both former army flyers. The father of Baron Dalkemade was well known in Wellington in the eighties and afterwards as M. de Mey, instructor in gymnastics and calisthenics in schools under the Education Board. He subsequently tc/ok up farming in the Manawatu district, and his sou, who has resumed the family title, also farmed there. Inquiries made in Wellington yesterday were answered by the reply that the available records do not contain any reference to Baron Dalkemade as a member of the New Zealand Air Force, or of the Royal Air Force, AIRMEN’S DIFFICULTIES DJIBOUTI, October 23. A British airman, Charles French, completed the round trip from Djibouti to Addis Ababa and return in a day. He states that the rugged topography is less unfavourable to Italian airmen than, is supposed. The mountains consist of scattered peaks, enabling pilots to' fly between them, and although there are few good landing places, forced landings are possible. Addis Ababa offers a poor target for bombers. Similarly, the mountain slopes show few signs of habitation, and bombing would inflict little damage. French had difficulty in taking off at Addis Ababa owing to the rarity of the air. THE EMBARGO ON ARMS LONDON, October 23. A press message from Geneva reports that 27 League members Lave already put into effect the first proposal of the League Co-ordination Committee —namely, an embargo on arms—and six members have applied the prohibition of loans and credits to Italy contained in the committee’s second proposal. ITALIAN FORCES IN LIBYA WITHDRAWAL OF DIVISION PARIS, October 23. M. Laval announced that Italy will withdraw one of the three divisions in Libya. WORLD-WIDE SATISFACTION LONDON, October 23. The news that M. Laval had announced that Italy was ready to withdraw one of its three divisions from Libya has been received with world-wide satisfaction. Later reports raised the question whether this action was dependent upon the British withdrawal of two battleships from the Mediterranean. M. Laval’s statement, which, it is reported, was made to the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chamber of Deputies in secret, was not mentioned in a subsequent communique, but a reliable source states that M. Laval after the meeting confirmed the statement that Signor Mussolini had authorised him to inform the commission of Italy’s decision, and added that he hoped it would be received favourably in England. Members of the commission, interviewed, said they considered the withdrawal the first really important result of M. Laval’s peace efforts, and hoped, with him, that it would be reciprocated by a reduction of the British tonnage in the Mediterranean. Meantime a Rome message says an authoritative spokesman stated: “It is reported that the British Government has ordered the withdrawal of two battleships from the Mediterranean. If this report should be confirmed Italy might perhaps withdraw part of her forces from Libya, although the two measures are not interdependent.” Official circles in London maintain a reserved attitude. The French communique above referred to stated that M. Laval gave a full account of the dispute, upon which the commission affirmed its political fidelity to a loyal application of all the Covenant provisions under the auspices of Geneva, with the full collaboration of Britain and all friends of Ffance. The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent understands that the Libyan division would not return to Italy. It would be merely taken to Tripoli. COLLISION IN SUEZ CANAL PORT SAID, October 23. The tanker British Workman collided with the Italian troopship Belvedere in the Suez Canal. Both were damaged, but were able to proceed. TALKIES SHOWN IN ADOWA ASMARA, October 23. (Received Oct. 24, at 5.5 p.m.) Military operations are held in abeyance on all fronts. Meanwhile residents of Adovva have seen their first talkie. It was presented in the city square, in the middle of which a theatre was erected, complete with stalls and pit. The more humble citizens, standing in the rear, wore nearly stampeded by the projector, which they at first believed to be a new kind of gun, and seemed to regard the picture as a performance of Satan, lint eventually they applauded Italian alpine manomvres and cheered King Victor Emanuel and Signor Mussolini after the Italians had given them the cue. They were excited by the Italian march towards Adowa because they recognised the country, and were astounded by

naval manoeuvres because many hitherto had not seen ships or the sea. Another startling novelty was the introduction of electric light, thousands gazing fascinated at incandescent bulbs between poles supplied with electricity by cable from Asmara. The unblinking glare without smoke or flame amazed the spectators. STORIES OF ATROCITIES LONDON, October 23. (Received Oct. 24, at 5.5 p.m.) The Daily Telegraph’s Addis Ababa correspondent interviewed Dr Hockinan, who declared he had not seen a single case of gas poisoning in Ogaden. He did not believe the .Italians were employing gas and denied ever saying so. He would shortly return to his Red Cross station near Jijiga. Major Teiuperlcy explains that atrocity stories are being circulated by both sides in all campaigns, and urges careful investigation before crediting tales of bombing hospitals, dumdum bullets, and mutilations. PROBLEM FOR ITALIANS LONDON, October 23(Received Oct. 24, at 7 p.m.) The Daily Mail’s special correspondent, Major-general J. F. C Fuller, aftet the completion of a motor tour of the Tigrc front, states that the country is ideal for sharpshooters and machine gunners, and sometimes it b,‘suitable for tanks, but owing to a plentitudc of ground cover it is diflicult for aircraft. Hidden peril lies at every turning of the roads. One thousand feet below the bend in Adikaie road lie five lorries smashed to matchwood, whose drivers missed the bend. Pitch accidents demonstrate the supreme difficulty of the Italian problem. ABYSSINIAN MOBILISATION LONDON, October 23. (Received Oct. 24, at f.D p.m.) A copy of the Abyssinian mobilisation order for the southern front, belatedly received at Khartoum, runs: "All boys old enough to carry a spear and all men will be sent to Addis Ababa. Married men will take their wives to carry food and cook, and those without wives will take any women without husbands. Women with small babies need not go, but the husband must take another woman. The blind and those who cannot walk or carry a spear, namely, those without a hand or foot, are exempted. Anyone found at home sifter the receipt of this order will be hanged.” (Abyssinian criminals are punished for the first offence by amputating a band and for the second by amputating a foot.) FIELD HOSPITALS PARIS, October 23. (Received Oct. 24, at f».5 p.m.) The advance guard of the Swedish Red Cross Hospital, under Dr Price Nylander and Dr Eric Smith, both of whom arrived by air, passed through en route for Harar, where they hope to create a field hospital with 100 beds. Dr Nylandcr has had six years’ experience in medical work in Abyssinia. Five ambulance cars with material, four doctors, and eight male nurses will leave Marseilles on October 30. An airman will be attached for liaison work and the transport of supplies It is estimated that the upkeep of the organisation for three months xyill be £14,000, and this has already been subscribed. OVERTURES TO AMERICA CHARLESTON (South Carolina), October 23. (Received Oct. 24, at 10.15 p.m.) President Roosevelt landed to-day after a three weeks’ holiday cruise on the Houston. He indicated that immediately on his arrival in Washington to-morrow he will canvass with Mr Cordell Hull the Italo-Ethiopian war situation as regards the League’s overtures to the United States Government to join in sanctions against Italy. During an informal address to 20,000 listeners he repeated the pledge given at San Diego to keep the United States “ free and unentangled.” This is interpreted by some observers to mean that he feels that neutrality proclamations and verbal support for the Kellogg Pact are as far as the Government can now go. SMALLER ITALIAN PAPERS ROME, October 24. (Received Oct. 25, at 1 a.ra.) In order to preserve the supplies of newsprint the Government has decreed the limiting of the size of newspapers to six pages a day from November 5. TROOPS SENT THROUGH CANAL PARIS, October 24. (Received Oct. 25, at 1.15 a.m.) The Suez Canal Company’s latest report shows that Italy has sent about 250,000 white troops through the canal. The dues in respect thereof and accompanying war material totalled nearly £1,000,000.