THE MAN HIMSELF.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13178, 10 February 1936, Page 5

THE MAN HIMSELF.

INTERVIEW WITH IL DUCE.

OTHER ASPECTS OF THE CASE. United Press Assn.—By Electric T elegraph—Copyright. LONDON, February 9. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Arnold Wilson, M.P., describing an interview with Mussolini in the Observer, says he looked tired but robust. He discounts the stories of the Duce’s impending decay and demise and emphasises Mussolini’s pride and confidence in the military position in Abyssinia. Mussolini, replying to a question as to whether the Hoare-Laval proposals were a suitable basis of negotiation, said: “I had already drafted a cautious formula of acceptance when Sir Samuel Hoare was ignomin_ ously dismissed resulting in much blood being needlessly shed and more treasure expended. Thus the gentlemen in London prolonged the war and must accept the responsibility for it

The British people should realise that their present attitude condemns all that is greatest in their history. Are you really ashamed that you seized the great areas you hold as beneficiaries and trustees for the inhabitants and the world generally? Are not Italians paying you the highest compliment in imitating Cecil Rhodes and General Gordon?’ Replying to a question as to whether Italian trade will return to its former channels after sanctions, Mussolini declared: ‘‘ltaly has spent too much exploiting her own resources foir that.”

Sir Arnold Wilson says sanctions have failed. Food in Italy has not risen more than in Britain since August and the cost of other commodities has increased 10 to 15 per cent. Austrian and German and German goods are generallv replacing British.

The feeling is less strong against F ranee.

GUARDING BREMNER PASS. IT ALT A N SO 1 , 1 >IER Y R ETUR NS. ROME, February 7. Signor Mussolini is sending his troops back to Bremner Pass. The reason officially given is: “Maintenance of the European situation and the retention of European friendships.” Certain members o fthe Fascist Grand Council, especially Marshall de Bono, are reportedly urging the necessity of a speedy compromise in respect of Abyssinia. Reports circulating in Paris state that tlio Pope has again intervened to secure peace. The newspaper l’Ouevre, detailing the new compromise scheme, says that the Vatican is appealing to Paris and London to secure its acceptanco on a basis of the negotiations. It is understood the latest scheme contemplates the neutralisation of Abyssinia with an international. not Italian, police force and no provision for the Italian colonisation zone, but the Emperor is to permit Europeans to settle in the country. ANOTHER WIN FOR JOHN BULL. LONDON, February 8. The Customs seized under sanctions 783 crates of Italian cauliflowers consigned from Innsbruck. This follows a recent seizure of 400 cases of Italian lemons, the proceeds of tlie sale o:~ which went to the British Treasury. A question has be*en tabled in the Commons drawing attention to British charters of Italian ships in violation of sanctions. OIL EMBARGO A FAILURE. GENEVA, February 7. The Transport Sub-Committee reports tliat an embargo oil oil transport would be ineffectual because Italy has ample tankers to convey all necessary oil from the United States, and can take from 1,750,000 to 2,000,000 tons a year, as compared with normal requirements of 1,100,000 tons. The most practical embargo would be a prohibition of the sale of tankers to States which did not apply an embargo, and prevention of the movement oi tankers to Italy.