BRITAIN POINTS THE WAY

Taranaki Daily News, 13 September 1935, Page 5

BRITAIN POINTS THE WAY

STRICT ADHERENCE TO LEAGUE SPEECH CAUSES STIR AT GENEVA ECONOMIC ASPECT EMPHASISED ~ I By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Geneva, September 11. UNCOMPROMISING adherence to League principles and responsibilities was promised on behalf of Britain by Sir Samuel Hoare, Foreign Secretary, in a notable speech on the Abyssinian crisis before the League Assembly to-day. It was the first speech Sir Samuel Hoare has made at Geneva, and he delivered it extremely slowly, with the utmost deliberation and clarity. He disdained the use of rhetoric. Most of the delegates listened to translations through earphones, and 450 journalists were present.

Baron Aloisi, the chief Italian delegate, showed no more trace of emotion than the Ethiopian delegates as Sir Samuel Hoare’s address proceeded. His reference to war for war’s sake appeared to discomfort the Italians. Nevertheless Sir Samuel held out the olive branch to Italy with a tentative offer to discuss the economic aspect of the advantages enjoyed by colonial Powers.

Sir Samuel Hoare was warmly applauded by most of the delegations. The Italians, understandably, did not participate, but the Ethiopians showed special enthusiasm. Often, during his speech Sir Samuel looked straight at Baron Aloisi, notably when he said: “We want no more empty chairs at the League.” The lobbies buzzed with discussion during the translation of the speech. The chief question asked was how much Sir Samuel implied by his reference to colonial supplies of raw materials.

The Italians were painfully impressed by the speech. They ask: “Why has Britain taken such a strong and unjust line against an old friend while so weak a one against Japan and Germany.” A French commentator on the speech said: “It was one of the finest efforts heard at Geneva. It takes us back to Curzon’s days. Britain has resumed her undisputed leadership in foreign affairs.”