NOT WORTH RISK

Taranaki Daily News, 20 July 1935, Page 7

NOT WORTH RISK

LOSS OF FRIENDSHIP FRANCE SUPPORTS ITALY ATTITUDE TO ABYSSINIA DEMAND FOR EXPULSION THREAT TO LEAVE LEAGUE By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 10.30 p.m. London,. July 19. France, says the Morning Post’s Pans correspondent, considers that, whatever are the rights and wrongs of the ItaloAbyssinian dispute, the whole problem is of secondary importance compared with the European situation, for the satisfactory solution of which the cooperation jsof Italy is essential to her, especially regarding the Austrian problem. . , France will not therefore consent to risk her friendship with Italy on account of Abyssinia, though the question of the League principle involved in Abyssinia’s, conquest by Italy in French view would be a smaller blow to the League than Italy’s withdrawal from Geneva. If the League of Nations Council supports the suggestion of a compromise between Italy and Abyssinia as co-equals at Geneva, Italy will not tolerate such an assumption of equality, says the Rome correspondent of the Morning Post. Italy expects the League to expel Abyssinia from Geneva; otherwise Italy will leave. NOT SOLE POLICEMAN. . Mr. D. Euan Wallace, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Home Affairs, in a speech at Mallon, declared that the British Government did not intend to be the League’s sole policeman. It was not going to be stampeded by belligerent pacifists into aggressiveness regarding the Italo-Abyssinian dispute. Replying to a ques'tion in the House of Commons regarding the maintenance of Abyssinia’s rights as a member of the League of Nations, Mr. R. A. Eden, Minister of League Affairs, said the British Government was endeavouring to further an amicable settlement of the dispute, and had, and would continue to have, full regard for the rights and obligations of States that were members of the League of Nations. The Emperor of Abyssinia, addressing his Parliament at Addis Ababa, said that’ although Italy possessed all the weapons of modern warfare she would yet see how united Abyssinia could be in defence of her territory.

The Emperor, reviewing his troops, said: “God will be your shield. Ybur Sovereign is with you and will not hesitate to shed his blood in defence of his country’s independence.” Signor Mussolini is aiming at maintaining the morale of Italian troops in East,Africa by increasing the pay. Privates will receive Is 8d a day compared with 1 3-5 d a day, which they receive in Italy. Corporals will receive 2s and corporal-majors 2s 4d. If they are in Somaliland troops will receive an additional 4d each, as well as increased rations. Postal services will also be improved.