HOPE OF PEACE FADES

Taranaki Daily News, 7 November 1935, Page 5

HOPE OF PEACE FADES

FRESH ITALIAN ATTACK FAULTS IN ORGANISATION PETROL SUPPLIES SHORT London, Nov. 5. The French Press considers that the fresh Italian advance averts all hope of a settlement of the Italo-Abyssinian dispute and proves that Signor Mussolini is determined on a resounding military triumph. • * The Rome correspondent of the Tunes says that Italian war correspondents in East. Africa describe how the natives in the occupied territories are anxiously asking for photographs of Signor Mussolini to hang in their huts. In order to supply this wish an official Italian photographic organisation has been ordered to print “thousands and thousands of the famous photograph showing Mussolini standing erect on a tank.” The Times in a. leading article says that qualitatively the Italian army’s performance in Abyssinia makes a poor impression, falling short of what should be expected from the improvement after the war. There are numerous signs of faulty organisation which may justify reports that communications were chaotic after the original advance. Other reports hinted that the Italian infantry was not eager to advance unless preceded by tanks, also that when the ground was over-difficult for tanks the infantry also stopped. Some colour is given to these reports by the fact that native troops are the spearhead of the advance, whereas formerly they occupied a subsidiary role. A Naples message states that 500 officers and 10,000 men sailed for East Africa yesterday in three transports. Petrol is now more precious than water in thirst-ridden Massawa (Eritrea), the price in Italy being 5s 4d a gallon. The authorities fear that sanctions may cut off supplies; therefore the utmost expedition is used in unloading supplies. The present stocks at Asmara will suffice for only six weeks’ intensive campaign. It is officially stated that the Suez Canal Company declares that it is impossible to close the waterway, which must under the 1888 Convention be open to all ships, whether belligerent or not. GOODS SHIPPED TO ITALY INCREASE FROM AMERICA TRADE IGNORES WARNING Rec. 10 p.m. Washington, Nov. 6. Reports to the Commerce Department indicate that President Roosevelt’s warning against trade with belligerents in the war between Italy and Ethiopia is being completely ignored by exporters of essential materials. The major part of the trade from Gulf of Mexico ports, New Orleans and other points reports the greatest activity for several years. Petroleum and cotton are the principal exports. For example, shipments of petroleum to Italy in August and September increased by 600 per cent, over those for the corresponding months of 1934. The department indicated that nothing would be done in the matter except to compile reports and forward them to the State Department for consideration.