AMITY WITH BRITAIN

Southland Times, Issue 22896, 22 May 1936, Page 7

AMITY WITH BRITAIN

Mussolini’s Aim

PLEDGE ON ONE CONDITION

Free Hand In Ethiopia

(United Press Assn. —Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 9.15 p.m.) London, May 21. The diplomatic correspondent of The Morning Post has the highest authority for stating that Signor Mussolini is most anxious to continue on good terms with Britain, and is prepared to give full guarantees to safeguard British Imperial interests both in Africa and outside.

The only condition of his offer is: If not the immediate recognition of, at least non-interference with Italian colonization in Abyssinia. If Britain accepts this condition, Italy is prepared to offer a solemn undertaking not to oppose British interests in Egypt or elsewhere. A message from Paris states that the newspaper L’lnformation declares that the Italian Ambassador to London (Signor Dino Grandi) has been specially instructed about the forthcoming explanations to the British Government, which it is believed will include a notification that Signor Mussolini is prepared to give an assurance that he does not seek to extend the Roman Empire to Northern Africa, as tangible proof of which he is willing to consider the removal of his white troops from Libya if Britain so desires. Withdrawal of Troops. The diplomatic correspondent of The Times says that the Italian Government has suggested to Britain that the time has come when the reinforcements added last autumn to the regular Indian guard of the British Legation at Addis Ababa should be withdrawn from Abyssinia. It has also suggested to Fran :e that the troops sent to protect' the French nationals and railway property at Diredawa should be withdrawn.

The Italian view, as stated to both governments, is that the Italian army of occupation, having established its authority, can answer for the safety of foreigners; therefore, the maintenance of independent military precautions is no longer necessary. The request is still under consideration in London and Paris.

The regular British Legation guard, consisting of one British officer and 20 Sikhs, was reinforced last September by a company of the Punjab Regiment under three British officers of the Indian Army, giving a total strength of 150. The Italian Government wants the withdrawal of the Punjab company but does not object to the regular Sikh guard staying on. The French Government sent 150 troops to Diredawa in October. It is apparently this force that Italy now wants withdrawn. FASCIST SCHOOLS IN ADDIS ABABA THE SALUTE LEARNT FIRST. (United Press Assn.—Telegrapa Copyright.) (Rec. 9.5 p.m.) Addis Ababa, May 21 Fascist schools were opened two days after the arrival of the Italians. The children’s first lesson was to learn the Fascist salute.

The schools are open to all Shoa children, while other schools are available for slave children. Those suffering from hereditary diseases are being segregated.