“WORSE THAN FELONY”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22751, 11 December 1935, Page 9

“WORSE THAN FELONY”

LONDON, December 10. (Received Dec. 11, at 0.5 a.m.) The News-Chronicle’s political correspondent says: “Alarmed at reports that the proposals framed by Sir Samuel Hoare and M. Laval would involve handing over vast tracts of territory to Italy, the Opposition parties intend to demand Government explanations on December 11. Reports from Paris assert that the total area in Abyssinia being offered to Signor Mussolini is 150,000 square miles, or nearly half the country. Sir Archibald Sinclair, on behalf of the Liberals, and Dr Dalton, on behalf of Labour, will press the Government not to consent to territorial or economic concessions which were not acceptable to Abyssinia. Dr Dalton, who was interviewed, said: “ If the reported terms are correct they are monstrous. It would be disastrous it we were to condone felony and worse than felony —namely, wholesale murder and treaty-breaking." The Abyssinian Legation issued the following statement: “We are virtually being asked to give up our country to an unlawful invader. We will never do that.” According to the News-Chronicle strong criticism of the proposals was voiced in the Cabinet yesterday. The plan was eventually endorsed, but it is stated that the Ministers were not unanimous. The News-Chronicle’s Rome correspondent says the latest information indicates that Signor Mussolini may accept the proposals “ as a basis for discussion.” The Pope is strongly urging Jiim to give a favourable reply.