TREATY WITH ETHIOPIA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24835, 7 February 1942, Page 7

TREATY WITH ETHIOPIA

MISUNDERSTANDING DISPELLED (Rec. 8.30 j>.m.) RUGBY, Feb. 5. ■ A misunderstanding which had arisen in regard to the treaty with Ethiopia was dispelled in authoritative circles when a categorical denial was given that the details of the treaty had in ahy way been discussed in Cairo. A suggestion that the British policy followed was meant to effect some appeasement of Roman Catholic sentiment in- Cairo was entirely without • foundation, as was equally the suggestion that the policy imposed on Emperor Selassie was contrary to his wishes.-:/ *'■■■: At the same time, it is pointed out that the treaty: provides that problems arising from private enemy property in. Ethiopa will be dealt.with by the Emperor according to - international law in Consultation with the British diplomatic. representatives. ;. During the war,the British came into the possession of' a fcertain amount_ of private; Italian property, and in accordance with its obligations as a belligerent under international law, appointed an appropriate custodian to "keep the accounts. The obligation now.passes to . the Emperor; : - - ■ . If. he. desires to. acquire any portion of wjylite,lfelian goods,, accounts.must manner until the final decision is taken in Treaty. ■ The Emperor has expressed his .personal for British aid -in a'ccOjUntahcy.,;. ,Ji!ihaJly,;"far.i from "appeasing" the Italians, the British aim is to getrevery Italian.out of..Ethiopia,at the earliest 'opportunity; \ ~, ■■;>''■ : r'--':">' u -