UNEXPECTED REPERCUSSIONS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 111, 12 May 1936, Page 7

UNEXPECTED REPERCUSSIONS

ANNEXATION OF ABYSSINIA FRANCO-ITALIAN CO-OPERATION IN THE BALANCE OPINION HARDENS IN FAVOUR OF SANCTIONS [By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright] Kceeived May 11, 9.55 p.m. LONDON, May 11. The Paris correspondent of the Times says that by the annexation of Ethiopia, Mussolini has struck another blow at Franco-Italian co-operation, which was only saved from extinction owing to France's fear of Germany. The Quai d’Orsay has every reason to coldly disapprove the annexation, as it has been using all its powers of persuasion to avert such an open challenge to the League, and the interests of the Powers. It has even warned Mussolini that annexation would make any attempt to withdraw sanctions impossible. The Daily Telegraph’s Geneva correspondent says that eleven members of the League Council will be represented by their Foreign Ministers at Monday’s meeting. In order to emphasise the smaller Powers’ readiness to continue sanctions, a meeting of the so-called neutrals to-day issued a communique declaring that Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Holland, Switzerland and Spain affirmed their loyalty to the League. They were prepared to reaffirm the principles of the Covenant and the view that might could not replace right. The correspondent of the Times at Geneva says that the Little Entente, the Balkan Entente, and the French and Danube Powers are all very perturbed regarding Italy’s future intentions, both in Abyssinia and in Europe. The annexation has had greater repercussions than the Italian leaders expected. France especially is disturbed regarding the possible effects on the French colonies, and it is understood that France has protested to Rome. Meanwhile the outcome of the perturbations is a hardening of opinion in favour of maintaining sanctions and the non-acceptance of the fait accompli. Moreover, the military success of the aggressor must not be used to condone aggression if the League is to survive. An extraordinary session of the League Council has been provisionally fixed for June 15, 1o which decisions regarding Abyssinia’s status and also the Rhineland and Dardanelles questions will be referred. It is expected that the French Government will be functioning by then, and that a change will be produced regarding which will enable a strong policy to be defined. "Alterable Only by War."' Signor Mussolini’s speech is stated in messages from Rome to have been absolutely uncompromising. He proclaimed a situation which is declared in Italy to be unalterable unless Europe goes to war against Italy. The speech contained no reference to foreign nations and their interests. The Abyssinia proclamation Gazette begins: "The territories and peoples which formerly belonged to the Emperor of Abyssinia are placed under the full and entire sovereignty of the Kingdom of Italy, and the title Emperor of Abyssinia is assumed by the King of Italy for himself and his successors.” Thus a concrete fact confronts the League Council, whose future actions must be decided in the light of Signor Mussolini’s declaration that Italy will defend her conquest with arms. The League may decline to recognise the annexation, but the opinion is expressed in Rome that it will be powerless to prevent Italy’s exploitation of Abyssinia’s resources. The French Note to Italy fully reserves that country’s attitude regarding the annexation. France will maintain her Minister at Addis Ababa accredited to the Court of Abyssinia despite. Mussolini’s statement that foreign diplomats now arc only “distinguished guests.” The representatives of Scandinavia, Holland, Spain and Switzerland at Geneva have agreed to regard Abyssinia as still a member of the League. It is presumed that Baron Aloisi, at Monday’s meeting, will deny the right of Walde Mariam to his present claim, and declare that he alone represents Abyssinia. Thus the Italian delegate will probably walk out. of the meeting. Further' complications are promised because France insists that the status of Walde Mariam as Abyssinian Minister at Paris be maintained. French Reservations Irritate Italy. The News-Chronicle says that in addition to the French reservations regarding the annexation, France has asked that her railway rights shall be respected, that a native army not be recruited, and the open-door policy pursued. Unofficial Italian assurances regarding these questions have been accompanied by an intimation that Italy claims complete sovereignty over Abyssinia. Consequently, while Franco-British economic collaboration is welcome, a full open-door policy is impossible. The News-Chronicle’s Rome correspondent says that the French reservations have irritated Italy. It is hoped that unpleasant messages will not be dispatched until M. Blum takes over the Government. The Italians also, are mortified to learn that only non-sanetionist diplomats were present at last night’s ceremeny, which many declare smacked more of a carnival than, a proclamation. The American Charge d’Affaires refused an invitation on the ground that the United States, in view of the Stimson Doctrine, is not ready to acknowledge the annexation. The League Council has another cloud on the horizon, as the presence of Walde Mariam will create an awkward situation for Baron Aloisi, who is believed to have been instructed to walk out if the League does not recognise the Ducc’s empire.