CRITICAL STAGE AT GENEVA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXL, Issue 20217, 19 September 1935, Page 9

CRITICAL STAGE AT GENEVA

ABYSSINIA MAY STRIKE AWAITING REPLY TO NEW OFFER STOCK EXCHANGE BRIGHTER United Press Association—By Electrlo Tel egrapb —Copyright GENEVA, September 17. - The Italo-Abyssinian dispute is now entering its most acute phase, the complexion of which will be able to be interpreted when the Committee of Conciliation presents its report to-morrow, a day later than was anticipated. The Associated Press special correspondent at Geneva says that the main amplification of the proposals made in Paris at the Italo-Franco-British conference lies in the field of foreign help for the financial and economic development of Abyssinia. The committee plan does not,provide for economic assistance from any individual Power, and certainly not from Italy, but aims at providing security for foreigners in Ethiopia and the prevention of a possible threat to neighbouring Italian colonies. The proposals provide that foreign advisers would be responsible to the Emperor (Haile Selassie) upon whose acceptance the plan depends. It is thus perceived that British insistence on the maintenance of Ethiopian independence is an essential factor of the scheme. The Rome correspondent of “The Times” quotes an Italian opinion that the least that will be achieved will be the localisation of the conflict, after which efforts might be made to shorten hostilities. Abyssinia Uneasy The Addis Ababa correspondent of “The Times” confirms the impression that Ethiopian military measures will be applied without awaiting formal aggression, immediately Italy refuses to accept the draft report. Throughout Ogaden there is intense military activity, under the Turkish General, Wahlb Pasha, who is directing a mixed Moslem and Christian force, which is traversing the south-eastern desert by American motor lorries. “We will fight in the bush, where gas and aeroplanes will be hampered, and ultimately in hand-to-hand fighting, when the Ethiopian swords and bayonets should prevail. All is in readiness, awaiting the Emperor’s command,” said Wahib Pasha. EMPRESS LEAVES CAPITAL SIGNIFICANT MOVE IN ABYSSINIA United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph -Copyright (Received September 19, I a.m.) ADDIS ABABA, September 18. The Empress had a touching leavetaking of the Emperor, who remains in the environs of the capital. The Empress goes to Biehoftu to live privately till the crisis is over. MAILS DELAYED IN ITALY BRITISH POST OFFICE INQUIRIES British Official Wireless (Received September 18, 5.5 p.m.) RUGBY, September 17. The Past Office Is making an inquiry regarding complaints of delay and non-delivery of letters sent through Italy, especially to and from Malta. It is thought that dislocation may be due not to any deliberate act but to Changes in personnel in Italy, consequent upon mobilisation and demands on transport for troops’ movements. “TIMES OF GREAT DIFFICULTY” LORD GALWAY’S COMMENT By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, September 18. Brief reference to the international crisis was made by his Excellency the Governor-General speaking at the New Zealand Club luncheon to-day. “We are living in times of very great difficulty,” said his Excellency. “One picked one’s newspaper up almost with apprehension to see how the trend of affairs was moving in Europe, and with a hope and wish that peace would reign, that those nations who now almost on the brink of war might see the folly of their actions and that they would be guided into more peaceful channels.”STOCK EXCHANGE RESPONSE RECOVERY IN LONDON United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph —Copyright LONDON, September 17. The London Stock Exchange recovered sharply this afternoon, members regarding the latest news from Geneva as more favourable.