FRENCH PRAISE FOR ITALY

Southland Times, Issue 22898, 25 May 1936, Page 7

FRENCH PRAISE FOR ITALY

Minister In Ethiopia NOT AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 7.30 p.m.) London, May 23. The Rome correspondent of The Daily Telegraph reports that a message from Addis Ababa describes the French Legation staff’s reception and dinner in honour of the Italian officers, at which the French Minister (M. Bodart) after ordering the legation band to play the Fascist hymn and “La Marsellaise, made a speech expressing sympathy with the King of Italy, Signor Mussolini and the Italian Army. He said that they had brought order and civilization and would bring prosperity to the peoples of Abyssinia. The Italian guests, including the Governor of Rome (Dr. Guiseppe Bottai), received an ovation. Rome is already claiming that M. Bodart has thus virtually recognized the annexation, but this is strongly denied in French official circles. BRITISH LEGATION GUARD NO DECISION YET TAKEN. (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, May 22. It is understood that the strength of the guard of the British Legation at Addis Ababa was discussed in an interview yesterday between the Italian Ambassador at London (Signor Dino Grandi) and the Permanent Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs (Sir Robert Vansittart). As already stated, Italy would welcome the withdrawal of the company of the Punjab Regiment which was sent in the autumn to reinforce the regular legation guard of 20 Sikh soldiers. ; No decision has been taken to change the present strength of the legation guard, and the matter is still under consideration in London.

FRENCH CLERIC TO REMAIN (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Rome, May 22.

The Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Dr Fulvio Suvich) has informed France that Monsignor Jarrousseau will be permitted to remain at Harar.