NO EXPORT OF ARMS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 198, 24 August 1935, Page 9

NO EXPORT OF ARMS

BRITISH CABINET’S DECISION LONG DISCUSSION ON ABYSSINIAN PROBLEM NOTHING FURTHER EXPECTED FOR SOME DAYS [ British Official Wireless. ] RUGBY’, Aug. 22. The British Cabinet has decided to make no change in the decision taken in July temporarily to withhold licences for the export of arms to both parties to the Italo-Abyssinian dispute. This, however, does not necessarily mean that the restriction will be maintained until September 4. The question has been, and will be, under constant consideration, and between now and the meeting of the Council it may or may not be decided to permit export to both parties as circumstances dictate, but for the time being no change is being made. Further developments in the situation are not expected for some days, and no arrangements have been made for calling another Cabinet meeting. The Foreign Secretary, Sir Samuel Hoare, will be in close touch with his officials, and he and eer-

tain other Ministers who will be be available to meet, if necessary, points upon which decision may Two long sessiorfs of the full Cabinet were held at No. 10 Downing Street to-day, when, after a detailed account of the Paris conversations by Mr Anthony Eden, the Ministers considered at length many questions connected with the Italo-Abyssinian controversy. It was recalled that at the end of the Three-Power meeting in Paris it was announced that it was the intention of the British and French Governments to maintain the ’closest touch and co-operation and to continue, right up t o the meeting of the League of Nations Council on September 4. the joint efforts to explore with the Italian Government, through diplomatic channels, the possibility of finding a peaceful settlement cf the dispute with Afcyssinia. This was fully endorsed by Cabinet to-day, when a strong desire to maintain the closest Anglo-French cooperation ic dealing with the difficult situation was manifest. Obligations to League It is understood that as a result of the discussions the Ministers saw no reason to depart from the policy repeatedly announced in recent weeks when the attitude of the Government towards the League of Nations and the Covenant has been denned. lu this connection it is recalled that the Foreign Secretary, Sir Samuel, Hoare speaking in the House of Commons on August 1 on the Italo-Abyssinian question, said: “I do not think there can bo any doubt, after the speeches of the Prime Minister, and particularly the answer he gave to a question in the House, that we are fullv conscious of our obligations under our treaties and under the Covenant, and that we certainly intend to uphold them.” The Cabinet meeting broke up at 4.30 p.m. Mr J. H. Thomas said; “We’ve finished now.” • Mr Ramsay MacDonald said: “We are very clear what should be done. We have made up our minds quietly, calmly and coolly. ” The Prime Minister is travelling back to Aix-les-Bains to resume his interrupted holiday, and most of the ether Ministers are also returning to holidays from which thev were called. These arrangements would indi«cate that Ministers see no reason to suppose that the discussions at the Council meeting on September 4 and the Assembly on September 9 will not proceed on the lines alreadv foreseen. Arbitration at Geneva A Geneva Press message states chat the Italian members of the Arbitration Commission which is inquiring into the Walwal incident arrived in Berne to-day, and that the Abyssinian members are expected to night The Commission will meet in the Belle Vue Palace. "WELL MEANING BIT USELESS” BRITAIN’S ACTIONS CRITICISED. Received Aug. 23, 9 p.m. LONDON, Aug. 23. The British decision to continue to make efforts, through diplomatic channels, for the peaceful settlement of the dispute between Italy and Abyssinia, is regarded in Rome as well meaning but useless. “Nothing can now make Italy withdraw,” says Signor Gayda in the Giornale d'ltalia. “Interference will only increase Italy’s proud solidarity.” The Telegraph’s Berlin correspondent says that Italy has purchased five more German ships, including the 20,000-ton Hamburg Line steamer Resolute, which can readily be transformed into a troopship. The price paid is not disclosed. • POURING OIL ON FIRE ITALIAN EDITOR’S ARTICLE. A WARN IM. TO BRITAIN. ROME. Aug. 22. Signor Gayda, in the Gioruaie d’ltalia, declares that Italy would re gard as hostile acts Britain supplying arms to Abyssinia in violation of the agreement of 1930 pledging her to supply a limited quantity under special circumstances, adopting economic sanctions, or closing tjie Suez Canal, which would be an intolerable violation of the 1888 convention. Incendiary firemen in Britain, desiring to extinguish a small blaze, were throwing oil on the fire, risking a frightful world-wide war, in which Italians would defend their rights ami honour before the tribunal of history.

in London A- within reach will , at any moment to consider any be required. SHOOTING OF CONSUL WOUNDED BY HIS OWN GUN ITALIAN LEGATION’S STATEMENT. ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 22. The Italian Legation announces thai Baron Falconi was accidental!} wounded by his own gun. BARON’S CRY FOR HELP. PERSONAL SERVANT’S REPORT. ABDIS ABABA, Aug. 22. An official communique states thai Baron Falconi, travelling with the usua' caravans of mules and servants, Jef the caravan on horseback with his per sonal servant to shoot game. The ser vant says that Baron Falconi left birr with his horse and walked some dis tance. The servant heard two shot: and a cry for help, and found Baror Falconi with a shot wound in the chest He was conveyed to Addis Ababa hos pital. Baron Falconi is a son-in-law of Sir Sidney Barton, British Minister in Abyssinia. FALCONI OUT OF DANGER. HOW ACCIDENT HAPPENED. ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 22. Baron Falconi is out of danger. He accidentally shot himself when replacing’his revolver in the holster. THE IRISH VIEW INDEPENDENT DECISIONS PRESERVATION OF LEAGUE. LONDON, Aug. 22. The only Dominion reaction conies from Mr. de Valera, who denies a report that Mr. Dulanty, the Free State Commisisoner, had assured Cabinet that Ireland would support the decisions. Mr. de Valera says that the Free State will take independent decisions on each point, and its attitude will be determined by Ireland’s desire to see the League preserved as an effective guarantee for peace. The Free State fully sympathises with any effort to prevent hostilities. AMERICA’S NEUTRALITY i MEETING AT WHITE HOUSE. WASHINGTON, Aug. 21. The Senate’s passing of the sevenpoint policy reversing « the neutrality programme caused President Roosevelt suddenly to call a White House conference to seek agreement on the legislation. A division of opinion is already apparent in the House of Representatives and President Roosevelt has privately expressed his views of the sweeping anti-war declaration, including major Reversals of United States traditional policy. The President summoned Mr. Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, the AssistantSecretary, Mr. Walton, and Mr. 8. D. Mcßeynolds, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs CoAimittce. While he made no statement, intimates of the President believe that he favours permissive rather than mandatory legislation to conform with the existing policy. A plan to modify the Bill to make it more, flexible wos worked out at the White House Conference. Those attending the conference were left in no doubt that the removal of the mandatory provisions would be sought. Mr. Mcßeynolds predicted that a com promise would be worked out.