THE ROAD TO PEACE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22713, 28 October 1935, Page 9

THE ROAD TO PEACE

STILL DIFFICULT AND UNCERTAIN DISCUSSIONS AMONG THE NATIONS ITALIANS ADVANCING STEADILY While the disputants in the Italo-Ethiopian war alternately fight and harangue, with the invaders continuing their steady advance on an extensive front, the Embassies of London and the Continent work silently but assiduously on the machinery which it is. hoped will eventually secure peace. Great Britain has determined the date of the application of sanctions and Prance, too, is willing, and meanwhile the two nations separately and jointly give serious consideration to possible bases of peace.

FROM THE SEAT OF WAR ITALIAN ADVANCES STRONG STRATEGIC POSITION (United Press Association) (By Electric .Telegraph:—Copyright) ' LONDON, October 26. - (Received Oct. 27, at 5.5 p.m.) The Times Addis Ababa correspondent states that Italian aeroplanes are reported to have bombarded Barbidihari Hill, a position 20 miles north-west of Gorahai, built in a circle of mud huts rendering target practice difficult. A fresh Italian advance has been announced from Wardair, culminating in the occupation of Gerlogubi with tL object of cutting off Gorahai. Abyssinians from Bale in great numbers are at Imi and Karanle, on either side of the Webbeshibeli Valley making contact with the Harar troops at Dagamodo Danan, and therefore in touch with Eastern Ogaden through Dagaabur, south-west of Harar, and Gabidihari, Z) miles west of Gerlogubi. It remains for Has Desta, north of Imi, to make contact with the Bale troops for the Abyssinians’ southern line ta be well knit, but provisioning will be difficult. The Gorahai field radio has informed the Government that the Italians with 10 aeroplanes occupied Taferekatama and Shelabo, the southernmost posts of Cgaden. Small garrisons in these posts have been withdrawn. The Italians thus command both roads from Firfir and Moustahil, which they built in 1930 to Gorahai. Since they hold a third tra k from Gerlogubi they can soon bombard the Abyssinians’ support positions at Gabridihari; with' a view 7 to, an early general advance. Reports from the southern front state that motor machine guns sent in pursuit of the fleeing Abyssinians sank axle deep in mud, compelling the crews to dig them out, the motors being only in time | to pick up some Abyssinians who were , wounded. I The Times Rome correspondent states that the Italian occupation of Callafro. the capital of the Sciavelli region, and the capture of the Webbeshibeli villages has been officially confirmed. Numerous chiefs are making submission, j ATTACK ON GELEDI AN EFFECTIVE STRATAGEM . .. . • , . • I LONDON, October 26. (Received Oct. 27, at 5.5 p.m.) The Exchange’s correspondent says that details of Olal Dinle’s attack on Geledi on the right bank of the Shibeli, north-west of Dagnejeu, show that the Abyssinians fortified themselves on the flank of the southwestern spur of the central plateau in a position known as Monkey Mountain, owing to its perpendicular sides. They considered the position impregnable, but Olal, with 1000 followers, made a nocturnal divergence, bringing the main body force round the back of the mountain and leaving two parties of 50 apiece on each side for a frontal attack on the cliff. His main body attacked at dawn, supported by six machine-guns, while aeroplanes threw bombs and grenades on the defenders and- blew up their ammunition dump. Olal ordered a strategic retreat, upon which the Abyssinians charged, but Olal’s two parties of 50, .which had clambered pantherlike up each end of the cliff, opened fire into the backs of the Abyssinians with two of their machine-guns and four machine-guns which the Abyssinians had left behind. Olal’s main body turned and counter-charged, hemming in. the Abyssinians, who surrendered. A DETERMINED THREAT DEMONSTRATION BY LEADERS LONDON, October 25. The Times Addis Ababa correspondent says that Ras Getatchu, of Kafa, and Dedjazmatch Hapta Mariam, of Waliege Mekempti, amid the thunder of war drums, led 15,000 soldiers to the palace, accompanied by Red Cross women in white dresses riding mules, and saluted the Emperor.. Getatchu, whose bulk and physiognomy are reminiscent of Henry the Eighth, exclaimed: “Mr father shoved shells back down the Italian cannon at Adowa. 1 shall try my own strategems on their sons.” Getatchu added that he had formerly wanted to fight Liji Eyassu, the rebel chief now in captivity, and Gougsa; but was not allowed. Getatchu was formerly Abyssinian Minister at Paris. RELUCTANT TRIBESMEN INDICATIONS OF REBELLION LONDON. October 25. (Received Oct, 27, at 5.5 p.m.) The Times’ Rome correspondent r ys that foreign missionaries arriving at Asmara from the interior of Abyssinia declare that only the Amhara tribesmen in. the Wollega district, west of Addis Ababa, answered the call to mobilisation. The Galla tribesmen refused to march and there was some indication of rebellion. Ras Kassa, who had only four months' food for the forces round Gondar, might therefore hasten the attack on the right flank of the Italian line in the north.

CONCENTRATION OF ARMIES LONDON, October 25. The British United Press Association’s special Addis Ababa correspondent says vast reserves are converging at Dessye, from which the majority of the huge concentrations arc departing for the northern front, travelling light and fast. Large armies are stationed within easy march of Addis Ababa. THE SOMALILAND FRONT ROME, October 25. An official communique states that Italian irregulars occupied Callafo, on the Somaliland front, the most important centre of the Sciavelli region. Numerous tribal chieftains have submitted. WITHDRAWAL FROM LIBYA (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, October 25. The announcement was made in Rome last night of the retirement of one Italian division from Libya, and it was stated that the division in question would be brought back to Italy. Orders for transfer were issued yesterday, and newspapers report that transports left Naples last night to embark the troops. This step, which is welcomed by Britain, was solely on Italian initiative and entirely unconditional. ITALIAN AMBASSADOR DEPARTS ADDIS ABABA, October 26. (Received Oct. 27, at 9 p.m.) Baron Vinci has departed for Djibouti. He was escorted in the train by a special guard and was not permitted to speak to anyone. There were no hostile demonstrations. : “IT’S AN ILL WIND” LONDON, October 26. (Received Oct. 27, at 9 p.m.) Lancashire is experiencing a minor boom owing to the diversion of cotton spinning orders from Italy. TROOPS FOR EGYPT LONDON, October 25. (Received Oct. 27, at 5.5 p.m.) The Times Cairo correspondent says that a battalion of the Ist Manchester Regiment from the West Indies has disembarked at Port Said, and the 2nd Sussex and 2nd Essex from India at Suez to reinforce the British garrison. A STEADY ADVANCE LITTLE RESISTANCE MET LONDON, October 26. (Received Oct. 27, at 10 p.m.) The Exchange’s correspondent accompanying General de Bono says that the Italians at dawn renewed their advance from a line south of Aksum, Adowa, Entiscio and Adigrat upon Makale. The right wing had previously progressed, reaching Tekla last night, and to-day it reached Adihomah. The’ advance was comparatively easy, the troops using valleys in which the caravan trails were passable for the new lorries with independent wheels and field artillery. Whippet tanks were active. A smaller column made a diversion in the direction of Hauzien, and the left wing occupied Megeltah, east of Makale, carrying out a pineer movement, while the native army corps in the centre was given the task of protecting the inner flanks. Both wings of natives are encountering difficult country, lacking even mule tracks, and offering great possibilities for defence. The natives met resistance when they attacked Mount Aliqua. A Rome communique states that tiie native corps’ operation is aiming at the occupation of the region around the River Farasmai, where the chiefs have submitted and the population is awaiting the Italian arrival. Submissions of Tigre chiefs continue from the region of Tzellemti, on the banks of the Takazze. • NEW ZEALAND AND SANCTIONS (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 26. The League of Nations sanctions against Italy come into force in New Zealand to-day, according to a proclamation by the Governor-General published in a Supplementary Ga, nte issued this morning. They provide for financial sanctions, the prohibition of the exportation of goods, and the prohibition of the export of arms, munitions, and implements of war. The list of arms to which prohibition applies includes: — Category 1: (1) Rifles and carbine and their barrels; (2) machine guns, automatic rifles and machine pistols: (3) guns, Howitzers, and mortars of all calibres; (4) ammunition for the arms ennumerated: (5) grenades, bombs, torpi dies, and mines: (6) tanks armoured vehicles, and armoured trains. Category 2: Vessels of war ot all kinds, including aircraft carriers and submarines. Category 3: (1) Aircraft, aerial gun mounts, etc.; (2) aircraft engines. Catergory 4: Revolvers and automatic pistols. Category 5: (1) Flame throwers and all other projectors used for chom’cal or incendiary war; (2) mustard gas, Lewisite, and all other products destined for chemical or incendiary warfare; (3) powder for war purposes, and explosives.

FROM THE EMBASSIES PROGRESS OF NEGOTIATIONS SIGNIFICANT FRANCO-BRITISH DISCUSSIONS APPLICATION OF SANCTIONS LONDON, October 26. (Received Oct. 27, at 6 p.m.) The Paris correspondent of The Times says that, although official circles maintain an impenetrable reserve, the present position is that M. Laval has communicated to Great Britain Signor Mussolini’s terms for a cessation of the Abyssinian war. These are now being studied in London. The next move, therefore, as The Times correspondent points out, lies with England and France, who will doubtless formulate their own ideas, based on the knowledge of what the League is likely to accept. It is possible that Signor Mussolini will in turn submit fresh suggestions. The discussions may be expected to continue until an agreement on the basis of negotiation has been reached or is shown to be impossible. The time factor is important, and appeals are again being made for a further delay in the application of sanctions on the ground that if they become operative while the discussions are still progressing Signor Mussolini will refuse to continue them. This is understood to be M. Laval’s opinion, but according to The Times Rome correspondent, Italy has not, and will not, ask for a postponement of sanctions. A Treasury order fixes October 29 for the commencement of financial sanctions. It is expected that other world financial centres will adopt the same date, enabling the maximum collective action. An Order-in-Couneil has also been published prohibiting the export of arms and war materials to Italy, also the import of Italian goods after such date as the Board of Trade may determine. The contravention of financial sanctions is punishable by imprisonment not exceeding two years or a fine not exceeding £IOO. In the case of companies, officials approving the facilitating of contravention are liable to punishment, and exporters contravening the export sanctions are liable to a Customs penalty treble the value of the goods or a fine of £IOO. “IN ROME ALSO ” INCIDENCE OF PESSIMISM ROME, October 27. (Received Oct. 28, at 0.5 a.m.) Peace talks are apparently at a standstill. When a journalist remarked to the Italian Spokesman that pessimism existed in Paris and London, the Spokesman retorted, “ In Rome also.” EMPEROR ADAMANT NO BASIS FOR PEACE LONDON, October 25. (Received Oct. 27, at 6.30 p.m.) The Times Addis Ababa correspondent says: “No basis presents itself for peace. The Emperor still refuses an official statement because be has not yet been informed of the peace proposals, the nature .of which, however, he suspects, and as a result prefers to leave the onus of refusal to Italy. Nevertheless, he will not yield peacefully an, inch of Tigrean soil. Therefore, the proposals that Italy should keep her present gains and still more proposals involving the whole of the Tigre must be excluded, the Emperor regarding such procedure as a breach of the Covenant. He is fully aware that the absence of mass tactics in connection with the occupation of Adowa and also the long period necessary for the bringing up of his troops to positions on the northern front, give the impression- that he is ready for a truce, but he scorns to consider this, except on a basis of territorial integrity and independence.” If he coded a portion of Tigre, which would be tantamount to England relinquishing Yorkshire, besides betraying the only leader who has thus far been able to fight for his native land, it would not only end the dynasty, but also Abyssinia as a controllable entity. The conviction, therefore, is growing that the Abyssinians will make their first determined stand before Makale. The conflict will not be a mass battle, but a widespread delaying of action on the immense front. WILL NOT YIELD IN NORTH ADDIS ABABA, October 25. It is stated that the Emperor is willing to cede Ogaden for a seaport, but never on any condition will he yield an inch of country in the north. An official stated that, if the Italians attempted to hold what they have already gained, Abyssinia would attack the minute the armies were ready. He added that it was previously inconceivable that Signor Mussolini would permit a quarter of a million soldiers to return to Italy without firing a shot, so that it was impossible to expect the Abyssinian warriors meekly to march home without attempting to expel the invaders. ITALY’S ATTITUDE PARIS, October 25. L’Ocuvre discloses that Signor Mussolini intimated that be was willing to halt hostilities and not despatch furtroops to East Africa until Britain considered his proposals. If she found them acceptable she could forward them to the Committee of Thirteen. CONTINENTAL OPINION LONDON, October 25. It is considered on the Continent that the fact that Signor Mussolini is willing to discuss terms shows that the difficulties of campaigning are now better realised. The Echo de Paris points out that the further Italy extends her line of communications the more clearly she understands the dangers and difficulties of advances. Haile Sellassie, however, is unlikely to be conciliatory, and hopes that time and terrain will work against Italy. A REPORT DENIED fßritish Official Wireless) RUGBY, October 25. The reports which are current that during a conversation with Sir George Clerk. M. Laval transmitted proposal* from the Italian Government for arranging a basis for negotiation for ending the Italo-Abyssinian war, are denied both in Paris and London. Significance is attached by the newspapers to the tentative terms of settlement which are advanced in the Italian press by Dr Gaydu. In putting them forward Dr Gayda fully recognises the wide discrepancies that exist between standpoints of Italy and the other League Powers, particularly that of Britain, which re ccived full reaffirmation in the House of Commons debate which ended last night.

THE AMERICAN VIEWPOINT NOTE TO THE LEAGUE ADHERENCE TO NEUTRALITY POLICY WASHINGTON, October 2G. (Received Oct. 27, at 9 p.m.) In response to a memorandum outlining the action taken at Geneva in the dispute between Italy and Ethiopia, Mr Cordell .Hull (Secretary of State) to-day despatched a Note to the League of Nations. In effect it was a strong affirmation of the neutrality policy as embodied in the proclamations by the President based on legislation passed at the recent session of Congress. In considerable detail Mr Hull listed the steps the Government had taken before the opening of hostilities to remind the prospective belligerents of their obligations under the Pact of Paris, and in this connection he reiterated that America would continue to assert moral pressure for peace. The Note even went so far as tacitly to approve of League sanctions by stating, “the United States views with sympathetic interest the individual or concerted efforts of other nations to preserve peace or to localise and shorten the duration of the war,” but it gave no indication that President Roosevelt would extend the list of embargoed implements of war to correspond with that of the League. The Note stated that the Government would undertake at all times to contribute to world peace, “in every practical way,” but added the significant phrase, “ within the limitations of our foreign policy.” AMERICAN ASSURANCES WELCOMED GENEVA, October 26. (Received Oct. 27, at 10 p.m.) League circles welcome Mr Hull’s promise that the United States will exercise her moral influence for peace. The terms of the promise exceed America’s response regarding the Gran Chaco dispute, and it is therefore hoped it will influence Germany, Japan and Brazil. ALBANIAN ALLIANCE TIRANA, October 26. (Received Oct. 27, at 10 p.m.) The new Albanian Government, meeting in Parliament, has declared a fidelity with Italy. FRANCE AND SANCTIONS READY TO PARTICIPATE PARIS, October 26. (Received Oct. 27, at 10 p.m.) The Government has notified the League of its readiness to apply sanctions on Italian exports and raw materials similar to those adopted by Britain, but a few additional days are required to take the necessary steps. A CALL TO FASCISM CELEBRATIONS IN ROME BRAVE-SOUNDING WORDS ROME, October 26. (Received Oct. 27, at 10 p.m.) “ The thirteenth anniversary march to Rome of the Blackshirts of all Italy finds Italians assembled round a regime, spiritually mobilised since October 2, in a historically unique rally, ready for all emergencies.” Thus Signor Mussolini gave a message to the Fascists to mark the commemoration on October 28 with national holiday rejoicings, bonfires on hilltops, and inaugurations of public rorks. 11 Duce added: “ Thirteen years of Fascism have not passrd vainly. Those preparing to commit tlr most shameful injustices at Italy’s expense will realise that Italians are capable of heroisms equal to those of the soldiers who gloriously avenged Adowa, and bore civilisation into Africa. We salute the fourteenth year of Fascism in warlike style, with flags unfurled, our ardent Jaith and determination tempered by innumerable hard proofs. All Italians worthy of the name will fight and organise themselves in the most strenuous defence against the threat of economic siege which history will denounce as an absurd crime destined to increase misery among the nations. They will distinguish friends from enemies and pass on the lesson to their sons and grandsons.” Addressing 500 peasants to whom he distributed prizes , (£l7 each) Signor Mussolini declared that they must be proud because it was the peasants who were the backbone of Italy. Moreover, it was peasants who were fighting iu Africa. A decree has announced the extraordinary appropriation of £7,000,000 spread over three years for new naval construction, including the modernisation of old vessels. Authorities have instituted a severe control of food prices, which have risen considerably.