WAR BROADCAST

Taranaki Daily News, 4 September 1935, Page 5

WAR BROADCAST

AMERICAN INTENTION BRITISH PRECAUTIONS MEDITERRANEAN FORCES MALTA STRENGTHENING READINESS OF THE FLEET By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Sept. 2. The Broadcasting Corporation of America has arranged to broadcast a running commentary from the battlefields if war breaks out in Abyssinia. Commentators and observers are already in Ethiopia. Wireless correspondents accompanying the Abyssinian armies will the encounters with the enemy. A Paris message says that both 'Le Matin and Le Journal devote space to the impending Mediterranean exercises of the British fleet, remarking that it is ready for any eventuality. Artillery reservists at Malta are being called up and the Royal Engineers and the militia are asking for recruits. An Alexandria message says that all leave for police officers has been stopped. The Egyptian Government has notified the Powers that military aircraft must not cross Egypt unless permission is obtained at' least 15 days before the flight is made. The Italian Press is most interested in the strengthening of the defences at Malta, where plans are reported to be made fqr the placing of mines in the harbour entrance and for work to commence on the construction of an aerodrome.

The stevedores acted precipitately in intimating their refusal to load meat for the Italian-army, says a Capetown message. They are all coloured and are assured of support from dock labourers. The meat for the Italian contract will be shipped from Walvis Bay and Durban, where the stevedores have undertaken to work th? ships until Britain declares war. THE CASE FOR ITALIANS PAPERS FOR AUSTRALIA; SUBMISSION BY CONSUL Canberra, Sept. 3. The Italian Government has submitted to the Federal Government, through an Italian Consul representative, the statement of its case in regard to Abyssinia which is being presented to the Council of the League on Wednesday. Mr. J. A'. Lyons, the Prime Minister, receiving the acting Consul-General for Italy, Commander L. Vitalii. Mr. Lyons subsequently stated that the statement would be placed before Cabinet, but it would not result in any change or modification of the instructions which had been transmitted to Mr. S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner. The course adopted by Italy is interesting in that diplomatic communications between Australia and foreign governments are invariably forwarded through the British Foreign Office.