SANCTIONS GRIP

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18867, 19 November 1935, Page 5

SANCTIONS GRIP

ITALIAN OUTCRY ECHOES IN FRANCE DIVISIONS OF OPINION TENSION AT ROME BRITISH AREA GUARDED (Elec. Tol. Copyright—United Pross Assn.) (Reed. Nov. 19, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 18. With the application of sanctions today, a special watch for Italian goods was kept at nil British ports, at which the Customs organisation was strengthened. A customs official told tho Daily Herald ho did not anticipate any real difficulty in enforcing sanctions. Shrewd officials of great experience had been detailed to counteract any attempts at evasions which were anticipated. The Italian Chamber of Trade in London has issued n statement that sanctions would hurt Britain more than Italy, adding that the balance of trade had been for some* time in favor of Britain.

Britain's first step iu the enforcement of sanctions was to notify the League secretariat that certificates of origin will be required for all goods from countries contiguous or accessible to Italy, namely: Germany, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, and Albania. Already Germany has tentatively replied expressing the opinion that the request is not in accord with the Anglo-German Trade Treaty. ' ' DANGEROUS EXPERIMENT '' A most interesting angle of this difficult problem is afforded from France, where the press again predicts that the "dangerous sanctions experiment" is doomed to eventual failure. For oxample, Lo Matin, envisaging danger, says that France will not go to war unless her very life is threatened. She cannot yield to a form of blackmail which said: "If you do not side with me to-day, I will not help you if you are attacked to-morrow." Le Matin adds that France refused to purchase to-day, at the price of an unjustifiable and avoidable war, a promise of help for future hypothetical occasions.

• The committee of the French National Action against sanctions protests that they are iniquitous and illegal, and likely to provoke war. Even M. Flandin, Minister of State, addressing tho Alliance Democratique, said: "If other countries take on risks, it is their business, but Franco will in no way be dragged in against her will." Further reports from Paris state that M« Laval, after further consultations with Signor Cerutti and Sir George Clerk, will shortly reply to the Italian protest against sanctions, probably pointing out courteously but firmly that French actions were, based on the covenant and that no other course was possible except complete repudiation. PRECAUTION AGAINST RIOTS A message from Rome states that as a precaution against anti-foreign riots, the British shopping quarter, the Piazza Dispagina, in which also is the British Consulate,' is surrounded by a double cordon of steel-helmeted soldiers. Traffic has been stopped. The approaches, have been blocked and a large force of carabinicri guards the Consulate. A thousand black-shirted students paraded the streets shouting: "Down with sanctions." Th'e.y tried to enter tho piazza, but police and troops diverted them.

Signor Gayda, writing m the Giornale d'ltalia, apropos of the- befiagging of Italy, suggests that all flags of civilisation should be flown halfmast as a symbol of "tho supreme wrong towards Italy which will never be erased from history." The Marchess Marconi, addressing the Royal Academy at Rome, said an incredible signal of the inhuman economic and financial crusade by the allied sanctionists in the hour of danger and death would be sounded at Geneva ■ to-day. The highest cultural body of the Fascist l'ogime condemned the "unjust decision." The Duces appeal lo resist "the shameful sanctions" found all Italians armed with one will, giving one obedience. .SAFETY IN MEDITERRANEAN The Daily Telegraph's diplomatic cor- . respondent says that Sir Eric Drummond's interviews at Rome with Signor Mussolini have led to an inescapable conclusion, that the British precautionary measures in the Mediterranean must be maintained. Moreover, it is believed that further sanctions will be considered. Probably an embargo on oil will be first examined as the most effective step of immobilising mechanised forces. A hint from Washington that steps may be taken to prevent the American oil companies breaking the ring may be a decisive factor. However, the sanctioning States must recognise that Italy may regard such drastic pleasures as a hostile act.

Diplomatic circles discount reports that the 'Government aims at a three Power understanding with France and Germany, but it is believed that M. i-aval is seeking an understanding with Germany as a leading plank for his platform in the French general elections in the spring.