WAR INEVITABLE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 227, 27 September 1935, Page 7

WAR INEVITABLE

ABYSSINIANS’ BELIEF DEFENCE OF RAILWAY [By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright] ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 25. Abyssinia is now convinced of the inevitability of war, though she is determined she will not lire the first Simultaneously with mobilisation, the foreign eugineers, under directions by the Abyssinian Government, are feverishly constructing defences to the Jibuti railway ami are fortifying the mountainous approaches to the line in order to prevent a successful junction of Italian forces attacking from the north and south frontiers. The roads to Harrar have been closed, and even the British consul was refused « passage. Troops are moving to Ogaden in modern motor-lorries.

CRUISER AUSTRALIA

RUMOURS DISCOUNTED LONDON, Sept. 25. The ‘Sun-Herald service message says that nothing is known regarding the Australian rumours that the cruiser Australia is returning to Australia, which is thought unlikely. Ou the contrary, the cruiser is probably proceeding to Greek ports, joining the First Cruiser Squadron in accordance with the original programme, where there is an excellent opportunity for gunnery and speed exercises under emergency conditions.

The Admiralty’s latest report is that the Australia arrived at Alexandria on September 20. The warships’ daily movements are not disclosed during the present international situation.

THE NEXT STEP

REPORT TO ASSEMBLY UTMOST CARE NECESSARY BASIS FOR SANCTIONS GENEVA, Sept. 25. The Associated Press representative says that Mr Anthony Eden and M. Laval conferred in reference to Thursday’s Council procedure, and now that Baron Alois! ; s observations arc fully known there is uo reason for the Council to consider further intermediate steps before considering the dispute under Article 15. British quarters contend that the recommendations for supervision of slavery fully took into account Italy ’s complaints against Abyssinia. Nothing has shaken the British view that whatever defects there are in Ethiopia, reforms would not be forced by one neighbouring Power.

The failure of the Committee of Five to find a basis for conciliation, it is stated, leaves the Council no recourse but to appoint a committee, probably consisting of every member of the Council, except Italy, to draw up a report which will virtually be a judgment which may later be a basis for a decision to apply sanctions. The utmost care in drafting will be vital to ensure unanimity, as if the Council does not carry the recommendations uanimously Italy will be free at the expiration of three weeks to wage war legitimately. The Bureau of the League has re solved to consult the Assembly before deciding whether the Assembly shall be adjourned, instead of dissolved, on September 28.

THE SUEZ ROUTE

COMPANIES DIVERT VESSELS. Received. Sept. 26. 9.50 p.m. LONDON, Sept. 25. The Prince and Silver Lines have decided to divert vessels from the Suez to the Cape route because of the high insurance and the possibility of delays. The P. and O. Company has notified passengers that its vessels may sail via the Cape without notice.

EMPEROR’S LIONS

FP7E ESCAPE IN CAPITAL. GUARDS INDULGE IN BIG GAME HUNT. Received Sept. 26, 11.5 p.m, ADDIfcJ ABABA, Sept. 23. Five cf the Emperor’s lions escaped from their cages and roamed the streets. They killed a man who sought to capture them and entered a stable and killed two Arab horses. They then dispatched twelve sheep. The population was thrown into a state of panic. Two hundred Imperial Guards began a big-game hunt and a fusillade of bullets killed the lions.