ITALY AND THE LEAGUE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19139, 7 October 1936, Page 12

ITALY AND THE LEAGUE

NO DECISION REACHED

APPEAL P.Y FRANCE

LONDON, Sept. 25

The general belief is that Italy has decided liol to resign ti'om the League, because Signor -Mussolini believes he lias nothing to gain thereby and, on the other hand, the League may still tie useful to him.

The correspondent, of the graph in Home understands that hranee is sending a special envoy to Homo in an attempt to persuade Signor Mussolini to remain in the League and to convoy the assurance that France will do all in her power to arrange a. satisfactory settlement.

“1 understand, ’ the correspondent states, “that Signor Mussolini is not anxious to leave the League at this juncture. Despite his sharp criticisms ot the League, lie considers that it may he useful to him. particularly as it, forms a link between Britain and Italy. This is regarded as valuable in view of Britain’s new rearmament policy, which, particularly iii its Mediterranean aspect, lias made a deep impression on Italy. “Signor Mussolini apparently would prefer to settle (he Abyssinian problem by decisive action in Abyssinia itself. Marshal Grn/.iani, Kalian Viceroy in Abyssinia, has been instructed to take a strong force to the western part of the country immediately the roads have dried. Signor Mussolini considers that with the occupation of Gore, where the Abyssinians claim that a regular native Government, exists, the League would Live no further excuse for denying Italy’s complete control of Abyssinia. '•'When receiving the British and French diplomatic representatives, Signor 'Mussolini is reported _to have adopted an aloof, uncompromising attitude. '

“It is not known what happened, but, in semi-oflicial Italian circles, it is_ emphasised that Signor Mussolini considers that not the Italian hut- the British and French Governments suffered a blow as a result of the Geneva decision, because they are unable to make good the assurances 11 icy had previously given to Signor Mussolini. This proves, it is claimed, that Britain and France, do not know how to lead the League.”

The Borne correspondent of The Times says; “Though Signor Mussolini, is still considering Italy’s connection with the League, and apparently does not, contemplate any drastic change, it, is pointed out that.’ for all practical purposes, Italy may already he considered to he out of the League. A formal exit would hardly strengthen her position. “Italy’s non co-operation with the League, it is stated, will last- so long as the Abyssinian question is unsettled in n manner satisfying to Italian prestige. It is even hinted that, after occupying move Abyssinian territory, especially in the western region where the Abyssinian Government supposedly exists, Italy may raise the price for (he resumption of her co-operation by demanding not, only the expulsion of Abyssinia from the League, hut also the recognition of the Italian Empire, in East Africa. “It, is reported that a mechanised force is already within striking distance of Gore.”