ITALIAN THREATS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 183, 7 August 1935, Page 7

ITALIAN THREATS

Furious Anti-Bntish Comment MALTA AND GIBRALTAR LEAGUE COUNCIL MEETING CONSEQUENCES WEIGHED (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright] Received Aug. 6, 9.15 p.m. LONDON, Aug. 6. The Paris correspondent of the Tinies says that the conference between England, France and Italy on Abyssinia, is expected to begin on August 12 or 13, in or near Paris. Meanwhile, French opinion is anxiously weighing the consequences of last week’s League Council meeting. The most puzzling phenomenon to French observers is the furiously antiBritish tone of the Italian Press, even semi-official comment. This is regarded as extraordinary in view of Italy’s practical dependence in many directions on Britain, and the traditional links between British and Italian policy. The Italian protests against the closing of the Suez Canal are comprehensible, but it is pointed out that when Italian Fascism goes to the length of uttering threats against Malta, and even Gibraltar, it not only runs the risk of ridicule, but is creating needless difficulties for itself.. The Rome corresjwndent of the Times says that the French attitude in the Italo-Abyssinian dispute is praised, but Britain’s continues to be described as “distinctly hostile,” especially Mr. Eden’s broadcast of August 3. A threat of sanctions is read into his references to the League’s duty if the dispute is unsettled by September 4, but this does not alarm Italy, says the Giorale d’ltalia, which asks: “Is it England or the League which should decide on any eventual sanctions, apd how can England anticipate the decisions of the League by announcing even now that Geneva will move against Italy?” Such threats are regarded as an encouragement to Abyssinian intransigence, and the British Government is accused of having done its i utmost to exasperate the conflict between Rome and Addis Ababa.

ARMS FRCM JAPAN ABYYSSINIAN CONTRACT MILITARY COMMISSION ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 5. Leading foreign residents in Abyssinia have cigned a declaration that they have lived happily for years in this hospitable Christian country. Signor Mussolini’s descriptions of conditions are without foundation. It is stated that Abyssinia signed a contract on August 3 with Japan for the supply of a heavy consignment of arms and ammunition, with a view to accelerating the modernisation of the army. Arrangements for the despatch of a Japanese military commercial mission to Abyssinia are almost completed. Received Aug. 6, 11.3 p.m. TOKIO, Aug. 6. The Foreign Office denies that Japan has contracted to supply Abyssinia with arms and ammunition, or that a Japanese military and commercial mission will be sent to Abyssinia. BRITISH EX-SERVICEMEN OFFERS TO ABYSSINIA FOREIGN OFFICE BLOCKS PASSPORTS Received Aug. 6, 10.20 LONDON, Aug. 6. Over a thousand British ex-service-men, including many wartime officers, have offered their services at the Abyssinian Legation, but none has been accepted. The Foreign Office advised the Legation that no British volunteers for service in the Abyssinian Army would be granted passport visas. SELASSIE THANKFUL PEOPLE APPREHENSIVE AUDIS ABABA, Aug. 5. Though Emperor Selasrie thanked the League for its peace efforts, Abv.-: sinians are still apprehensive. While satisfied with the appointment of the fifth arbitrator, they feel that the limitation of the Conciliation Commission’s inquiry leaves a loophole for procrastination, benefiting the Italian war preparations. TURKISH GENERAL OFFER AS INSTRLCTOR TO ABYSSINIAN ARMY Received Aug. 6, ll.Ju p.m. LONDON, Aug. 6. The Angora Turkish Government has instructed General Wehbisha, who is at present in Addis Ababa, to offer his services as instructor to the Abyssinian army.

ATTACKS ON BRITAIN ITALIAN PRESS ALLEGATION ROME, Aug. 5. The Press continues to attack Britain, alleging that she wants to incorporate Abyssinia in the British Empire, and denounces the perfidy towards her ex-ally, Italy. BOOM AT SUEZ ITALIAN TRANSPORTS REMARKABLE ACTIVITY . i Received August 7, 1.20 a.m. LONDON, Aug.-6. Australians arriving in London de-.-cribed to the Sun-Herald unusual activity at Suez as a result of the transport to East Africa of Italian troopships, stores and munitions. The canal is enjoying a boom, us 200 Italian ships, from giant liners to small coasters, have entered since the mobilisation commenced in February. Many holders are selling Suez Canal shares, fearing the eventual closing in the vent of hostilities. However, international jurists are of opinion that the canal convention compels Egypt, France and Britain to keep the canal open. The Italian authorities will not allow anybody, except a few officials, to dis embark at the canal. A big trade, accompanied by hard bargaining, is done over the ships’ sides by the string and bag system. A gigantic portrait of Mussolini appears on the after-deck of some of the ships, with the inscription: “11 Dime, we will die for you.” Consignments of American lorry chassis and quantities of road making machinery and material arc being reshipped to Massawa.