EVEN UNTO DEATH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23500, 14 May 1938, Page 13

EVEN UNTO DEATH

ABYSSINIAN RESISTANCE

EX-EMPEROR’S STATEMENT REPLY TO LORD HALIFAX (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) GENEVA, May 12, Haile Sellassie made no sign during Lord Halifax’s speech to the League Council, but sat motionless with his eyes closed. At the end he rose slowly and said. “Although recovering from a c illness, I decided to appear uersonally before the Council to defend my people’s cause.” He then asked permission for Taezez to read his speech.

In the address the ex-Emperor declared that although victims of aggression pul their confidence in the League they had the misfortune of seeing the nations refuse to honour their commitments and treaties ot non-aggression. The V ea ?l^ e Covenant had been torn up by the powerful nations, who simultaneously proclaimed their attachment to the Covenant. . , , ,„ .. Haile Sellassie rejected Lord Halifax’s contention that recognition ot the Italian conquest would help in appeasement. He said the League had to choose between the maintenance of peace by law and peace at any price Britain was asking the Council to tear up instruments that had been designed to protect small States The speech cited various provinces where the Italians were not in control, and dramatically denied the right of the Council to decide the question, demanding a meeting of the League Assembly. « Currying Favour With Italy ’* Replying directly to Lord Halifax, the ex-Emperor’s speech declared n was completely contrary to the Covenant to sacrifice one people to assure the tranquillity of others. “ It appears the nations are violating their commitments with the object of currying favour with Italy, who, in spite of her enormous expenditure, is unable to exploit Abyssinia,” he said. “Abyssinia will accept any just settlement proposed by the League, but if my appeal is not answered, implacable guerrilla warfare will continue against Italy until either the Italians evacuate the country or the Abyssinian people are exterminated.” In contrast to their usual listlessness, the members of the Council listened to the Abyssinians with the closest attention and watched the ex-Emperor intently. A delegate from an East European country was heard to say: “ I do not know whether to laugh, cry, or be sick. I think I am going to be sick.” France Supports Britain M. Bonnet, French Foreign Minister, said he supported the British initiative because he was convinced that all possible had been done. He agreed that in order to re-establish confidence in Europe it was necessary to face facts. M. Litvinoff (Russia) said: “ Britain has a right to settle the Abyssinian affair for herself, but the League as a collective body has not withdrawn its condemnation of the aggressor. Nothing will so weaken international law as to recognise his conquest. There is no reason for the League’s existence if it neglects its own principles.” The Council adjourned. The ex-Emperor walked out slowly, bowing imperceptibly to his left and right. The others stood aside to give him free exit.