BRITISH INTERESTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 107, 7 May 1936, Page 7

BRITISH INTERESTS

NO HARM PLANNED MUSSOLINI INTERVIEWED ITALY NOW AMONG THE “SATISFIED POWERS” SUPPORTER OF LEAGUE [By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright] .Received May 6, 7.15 p.m. LONDON, May 6. “My policy has never planned and does not plan any harm whatsoever to the interests of the British Empire,” Signor Mussolini told Mr. Ward Price in a special interview. “Italy has not the remotest hankering after Egypt. The victory puts her . jn (he group of satisfied Powers. I give you my word th a t we have no further col o nial ambitions. Henceforth we will become sound conservatives and turn our attention to Europe. Events make the urgency of th e reform of the League pressing. Italy is prepared to help. It is my conviction that the League can and must continue, but the spirit must be adapted to the needs of the respective nations. “Italy is obliged to view the reoccupation of the Rhineland with reserve owing' to sanctions. She is now ready to help in bringing about a frank and definite understanding between .lie great Powers of Europe. If they go to war the whole European civilisation will crash.” Mussolini declined to disclose his plans for the settlement of Abyssinia, saying: “Who is left to make peace new that the Emperor has gone? It seems in the best interests of all concerned to rapidly establish Italian authority throughout Abyssinia. Anyone suggesting that Italy means to exploit the Abyssinians is talking nonsense. nO the contrary, we already hav e established markets and hospitals. The fact that the Abyssinians rose against the Emperor and welcomed the advance of our troops was an act of selfdetermination in favour of Italian rule. The peace cannot bo a lame one. We m e an to settle the Abyssinian problem once and for all. We shall not shut the door against the economic enterprise of friendly countries.” Asked whether this included Britain and France, Mussolini tersely replied: “They arc certainly included.” He added: “The world would be surprised to know our real financial strength. The sacrifices I demanded involved only a few minor hardships, like cutting down meat.” The Duce reiterated his allegations of Abyssinian atrocities and denied that, the British ambulances were deliberately bombed. Reiterating- that Italy had no political interest in the Sudan and Palestine and regarded Egypt as an independent in the Mediterranean, the Duce said: “What more can Ido or say? lam ready to confirm what I have said in any form that may be required.” >Signor Suvieh and Signor Al lieji, acting Minister of Propaganda, were present at the interview. Mr. Ward Price considers that though he has seen the Duce 20 times in the 14 years he has been in power, he has never found him calmer and more reasonable. He was especially earnest and sincere, when he stressed a desire for friendly relations with England. Mr. Ward Price adds: “Personally, I consider that Mussolini will do nothing rash or headstrong,” SAFETY OF FOREIGNERS ITALIAN ASSURANCE ROME, May 5. It is understood that Italy has assured foreign Governments that the lives and property of foreigners at Addis Ababa will be protected according to the laws of war. AMERICAN ATTITUDE AWAITING DEVELOPMENTS SAFETY OF LEGATION Received May 6, 5 5i p.iu. NEW YORK, May E, The Times’ Washington correspondent says that Mr. Roosevelt and Mr Hull expressed relief at the day’s developments in Addis Ababa, with the legation evacuated under British protection and later reoccupied &s the Italian troops arrived in the city and took the situation in hanct. The defence of the legation and later its relief by the British is described by Mr. Roosevelt as “dramatic nud amazing. ’’ Mr. Hull transmitted to London the nation's official thanks for the aid extended, also queries to Rome, where Ire received assurances that the Italian army of occupation would protect foreign lives and property. • With the apparent safety of Mr. Eu-

gert and his staff, the question arose informally to-day regarding diplomatic recognition o.’ whatever regime Italy initiates in Lthiopa. Both Mr. Roosevelt and Air Hull declined to comment, merely saying that Mr. Engert was remaining indefinitely pending clarification of the situation. The indications are that the Government will await the determination of policy by Britain and other countries more directly interested before reaching a decision. Officially the Roosevelt administration still adheres to the Stimson policy of non-recogni-tion of territories acquired by force. Whether it will be necessary to invoke this policy or discard it, of course, depends on future developments, and the State Department refused to answer all the questions, regarding it. The necessity for the legation soliciting aid is receiving considerable comment in the press, which is divided between praise af the British and condemnation of the Government for failing to anticipate the possibility of such, a situation and providing adequate defence. Roprcscentative Rogers, of Alassachusctts, informed the Times that s*lie would introduce a resolution in Congress to-morrow instructing the State Department to give full information of the steps taken to defend the legation, together with an explanation of why it was left “practically defenceless and virtually unarmed.” Airs. Rogers is a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee. AGAIN ATTACKED AMERICAN LEGATION BRITISH RED CROSS aQCIQB DEAD. Received Alay 7, 12.40 a.m, ADDIS ABABA, May 6. Despite the entry of the Italians sporadic rioting continues. Looters again attacked the American Legation but were driven off. Ahirshal Badog lio furnished a guard of 50 Italians at thv. American Minister’s request. It is officially announced that Dr

Alelly died of wounds at the Britis Legation. Marshal Badoglio has issued stric orders to repress mercilessly rioting an resistance but to treat kindly inhabit ants displaying peaceful intentions. TO AVOID BLOODSHED SELASSIE’S DEPARTURE RESISTANCE HOPELESS Received May 6, 11.20 p.m. LONDON, May 6. The Daily Telegraph’s Djibouti co; respondent says that. Haile Selassie d( dared before his departure: “I have not deserted my people. It was not fear of continuing the war. I saw the impossibility of my unarmed, brave warriors competing with modern weapons, especially gas. Therefore, I departed in order to avoid further bloodshed and destruction of the legations at Addis Ababa.”