CONFERENCE FAILS

Southland Times, Issue 25367, 20 August 1935, Page 7

CONFERENCE FAILS

ABYSSINIAN CRISIS ITALY SEEKS MANDATE UNCOMPROMISING STAND BRITISH OPPOSITION (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Paris, August 18. The thxee-Power conference ended in failure, an official communique admitting inability to find a basis for the peaceful solution of the Italo-Abys-sinian conflict, subject to the maintenance of Abyssinian integrity and the agreement of Abyssinia with the League. The question will not there?fore be publicly examined until the League Council meets to consider the situation. When the conference reassembled late yesterday afternoon there was an atmosphere of complete pessimism. It was suggested that Italy should be given a monopoly of economic exploitation. and power to appoint advisers and heads of Abyssinian departments, including the army. Britain would be given control of the waters of Lake Tsana, while France’s rights to the Djibouti railway were to be safeguarded. It is understood that Signor Mussolini uncompromisingly demanded an Abyssinian mandate, which the British delegate vigorously opposed, while France sought a formula capable of satisfying both sides. Official Communique. An official communique was issued as follows: “M. Laval (France), Mr Eden (Britain) and Baron Aloisi (Italy) met in Paris to find means of peacefully settling the Italo-Ethiopian difficulties. They have not been able to find a basis for the discussion of a question permitting such a solution of the conflict, and the difficulties encountered during the examination of the suggestions put forward in the course of the discussions necessitated an adjournment of the study undertaken, which will be continued through diplomatic channels.” The conference reached an impasse when at a meeting yesterday afternoon the Italian delegate, Baron Aloisi, informed Mr R. A. Eden and M. Laval of instructions he had received from Rome regarding the proposals submitted by the French and British Governments on Friday as a basis for discussion. It was then unfortunately realized that the reply was not of a kind to enable further progress to be made. Comprehensive Suggestions.

It is understood the Franco-British suggestions were of a comprehensive nature and that they would have afforded Italy wide economic opportunities in Abyssinia and safeguarded the frontiers of the Italian colonies and the security of Italian settlers in Abyssinia. The two countries .would have been prepared to jointly recommend an agreement on the lines proposed to the Abyssinian Government and to the League of Nations as a reasonable settlement consistent with the treaty rights and obligations of all the parties and the principles of the Covenant. As these proposals, designed to meet the legitimate aspirations of Italy, have not been accepted by Signor Mussolini as a basis for discussion, the conference broke down. It is probable that the British delegation will return to London to-morrow. CONCESSIONS SUGGESTED MEETING ITALIAN REQUIREMENTS. (British Official Wireless.) Rugby. August 17. It is understood the French and British delegates asked that Italy should specify in a more precise form than hitherto had been done her minimum requirements. From the information available to them they understand that Abyssinia was prepared to consider certain concessions which might go some way to meeting Italian requirements. and it was desired to see whether by an advance on the part of Italy the gulf between the disputants which has to be bridged can at least be reduced. In addition to yesterday's talks between the Ministers there were frequent contacts between the experts of the three delegations, and different diplomatic documents concerning the relations of their three countries were subjected to joint examination and analysis. MUSSOLINI’S REPLY INCOMPLETE STATEMENT. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Paris. August 18. Baron Aloisi conferred with M. Laval this morning. Meanwhile, communications have arrived from Rome and the talk was suspended while Baron Aloisi decoded them. The talks were resumed later. Signor Mussolini’s reply to the suggestions of Britain and France is believed to be incomplete. Mr Eden had an hour's talk with M. Laval, after which the latter remarked that the negotiations were very difficult. NOT DISCUSSED CONFERENCE'S PROPOSALS. ATTITUDE OF MUSSOLINI. (United Press. Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) London. August 18. The Paris correspondent of The Times says the Anglo-French proposals should have given Signor Mussolini ample cause for satisfaction. He would have peacefully obtained economic advantages which should have satisfied Italian aspirations for years to come. The conditions accompanying the offer were probably the stumbling block. Britain and France insisted that the political integrity of Abyssinia must be respected and that the League and Abyssinia must accept the final scheme of settlement. The Paris correspondent of the Daily Mail says that Signor Mussolini did not even discuss the conference’s proposal, but reiterated that Abyssinia had so endangered Italian colonies that the only effective remedy was Italian occupation of strategic points in the Abyssinian uplands. The Port Said correspondence of the Daity Telegraph says the first Italian tanks passed through the Suez Canal, which continues to be congested with Italian shipping conveying additional troops and large numbers of mules and victor cars. ITALY PLEASED FAILURE OF CONFERENCE. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Rome, August 18 Italy was relieved at the termination of the unpopular three-Power conference and does not desire any form of compromise. She is determined on a resounding victory to wipe out the memory of Adowa with economic and

political control over Abyssinia backed by an army of occupation. AGAINST COMPROMISE OPINION IN ITALY. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, August 18. The Rome correspondent of the Observer says that Italian opinion is hardening against any compromise. It is believed the withdrawal of troops would encourage the Abyssinians to invade Italian colonies. “WE ARE READY:” TROOPS REPLY TO MUSSOLINI. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Rome, August 18. Signor Mussolini, when reviewing a Black Shirt division at Benevento, declared: “Speeches must be abolished in an hour which is solemn for them and decisive for the nation.”- He added: "You will march, crushing all obstacles, until you reach the goal set for you.” The Black Shirts roared: "We are toady!” Signor Mussolini replied : “The Italian people will preserve that formidable cry in their hearts.” Signor Mussolini added that those going to East Africa were going to make a conquest. BEHIND ABYSSINIA FRANCE'S BLACK SUBJECTS. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Paris, August 18. M. Gratien Candace, a negro deputy for Guadeloupe and a former Undersecretary for the Colonies, warned M. Laval that France’s black subjects were solidly behind Abyssinia and that war would provide the strongest stimulus for the solidarity of the coloured races, of which Japan considered herself the leader. M. Candace states that M. Laval told him: “Do your utmost to avoid a conflict. No secret agreement exists between France and Italy to allow Signor Mussolini a free hand in Abyssinia.” ZULU CHIEF OFFER TO AID ABYSSINIA. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Ladysmith, August 18. Chief Walter Kumalo has offered to raise a picked regiment of Zulus to fight on behalf of Abyssinia if she is attacked. ABYSSINIAN EMPEROR COMMUNION SERVICE ATTENDED. IMPRESSIVE SCENES IN CATHEDRAL. » (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, August 18. The special correspondent of The Times at Addis Ababa says: — Contemporaneously with prayers in the American church for peace and the independence of Ethiopia, the Emperor and Empress, Duke Harrar, the Ministers and ladies of the Court attended mass in St. Georghi’s Cathedral and took part in communion, the Bishops of Abuna and Chfegi officiating amid scenes of impressive splendour. The Emperor after mass withdrew to the west, the Empress to the south, the Bishop of Chegi to the north and the Bishop of Abuna to the east sections of the octagonal cathedral and prayed before ikons. Civilians addressed a vast crowd in St. Giorghi’s Square, covering all sides of the hill, and the benediction followed. The Emperor kissed the Cross in the Bishop of Abuna’s hand, donned his shoes, and departed, accompanied by his bodyguard, who ran beside the motor car to the palace. The Empress followed in a veiled automobile, officials clearing the route with blows of staves. MARKETS DISTURBED UNCERTAIN OUTLOOK. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 10.10 p.m.) London, August 19. The Bombay correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says that uncertainty in regard to Abyssinia is disturbing the markets. One operator unloaded £370,000 of Government bonds.