BITTER ATTITUDE IN OTTAWA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXL, Issue 20282, 4 December 1935, Page 9

BITTER ATTITUDE IN OTTAWA

SPITEFUL THRUST AT GENEVA DID NOT INSPIRE OIL SANCTIONS DRASTIC MEASURES IN ITALY United Press Association— Bv Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 3, 9.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 3. The Ottawa correspondent in a dispatch to “The New York Times” today declares: There is resentful conviction that Dr. Walter Riddell had allowed Britain’s Geneva representatives to use him to pull England’s coals out of the fire, is understood to have inspired the action of the Canadian Government in repudiating the initiative for an oil embargo against Italy. Repeated references to the embargo as Canada’s proposal, caused much nervousness in Quebec, whose FrenchCanadian population has always opposed participation in European ventures. Furthermore, Mr La Pointe argued during the campaign, that to re-elect the Conservative Government was to increase the danger of Canada being embroiled in another war. This might not have found vent in the repudiation of Dr. Riddell’s action, had it not been for the feeling that if an oil embargo were proposed, it should have been done by Mr Anthony Eden, as representing the Power principally concerned. Resentment has been privately expressed in certain influential circles that Dr. Riddell allowed himself to be used in Mr Anthony Eden’s game. The correspondent adds, however, that Mr La Pointe’s statement has not commanded universal approval in Canada. Supporters of the League of Nations are indignant, while what might be described as the Imperialist opinion is expressed in “The Toronto Mail and Empire Leader,” headed: “Is Ottawa giving comfort to Signor Mussolini.” According to a statement by the Acting-Prime Minister (Mr Ernest La Pointe), Dr. Walter Riddell (Canadian delegate to the League of Nations) was expressing his own view and not the Government’s when he suggested on November 2 at Geneva, to the League Committee, that sanctions against Italy should be extended to Include oil and coal and their by-products, and iron and steel. Mr La’ Pointe said that the Prime Minister (Mr W. L. Mackenzie King) announced on October 29 that Canada would comply with the financial and economic sanctions programme set forth by the League Co-ordination Committee. Mr La Pointe added: “The Government is not taking and does not propose to take the initiative in proposing the extension of measures for the prohibition of exports to Italy.” BRITAIN’S CAUTIOUS POLICY HOPEFUL OF PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 3, 7 p.m.) LCfNDON, December 3. The Parliamentary correspondent of “The Times” says: “While the Cabinet has decided that Britain was prepared to extend sanctions if other nations act similarly, the Ministers are still hopeful of a settlement. “The Daily Telegraph” contradicts the report that the Cabinet is divided and adds that the Ministers also discussed the possibility of peace moves. The Pans correspondent of “The Daily Mail” says that during Sir Samuel Hoare’s visit M. Laval re-emphas-ised the French arguments for straining every nerve for peace before the oil embargo did irreparable damage, pointing out that European peace was worth some sacrifice, while idealism involving the possibility of war would be a fatal error for both nations and the League of Nations. The Paris correspondent of “The News Chronicle” says there is a possibility of a third postponement of the League meeting. M. Laval is desperately striving to induce Signor Mussolini to formulate peace proposals before December 12. FLANS TO FIGHT SANCTIONS GRAVE CONDITION DEVELOPING United Press Association—By Kl*»ctrlc Tel egr apb Copyright (Received December 3, 11 pm.) LONDON, December 3. The Rome correspondent of “The Daily Telegraph” says that the directors of the Bank of Italy have placed £15,000 at Signor Mussolini’s disposal to fight sanctions and to spend on winter relief. The Government's fears of increased unemployment when imported raw materials are consumed and sanctions have killed foreign trade, are reflected in the instructions issued to employers for a general extension of the 40-hour week with proportionate pay-outs. They must employ as many people as possible, if only for two or three days a week, to enable the work to go round. The unemployed in large cities have been ordered to return to their native villages and till the soil. The workless who have drifted to the towns must also return to the land. Dramatic Displays. Victor Emmanuel contributed to the “plebiscite of gold,” spreading through-

out Italy in aid of the anti-sanctionist campaign, sending a substantial offering of gold and silver plate. Women widowed in the Great War and mothers who lost sons are urging married women to surrender their wedding rings, for which they are arranging ceremonies on December 18, at every war memorial in Italy.