ETHIOPA WILL FIGHT

Wairarapa Daily Times, 19 July 1935, Page 5

ETHIOPA WILL FIGHT

IF ITALY DECLARES WAR STATEMENT BY EMPEROR. Press Association Electric Telegrapn—Copyright LONDON, Thursday. The Addis Ababa correspondent of “The Times” says that the Emperor, in an exclusive interview, said that he desired a League discussion concerning the dispute with Italy by 25th July. Before that date Abyssinia Avould not take diplomatic steps, but Avould nevertheless reply to any direct suggestions from Britain. Ho acknowledged the value of the 1906 Treaty as an instrument of pacification, but Britain was the only co-signatory which now mentioned its application, and in face of Signor Mussolini’s actions it seemed valueless.

The Emperor was delighted at the attitude of the British Foreign Minister, Sir Samuel Hoare, and the Minister for League of Nations Affairs, Mr Anthony Eden, and said he was not averse to a free hand for Britain in a constructive peace effort. If Italy’s argument for the conquest of Abyssinia was civilisation, slavery was not limited to Abyssinia, but flourished in Tripoli and Eritrea, which the Italians could not deny. The Treaty of 1931 allowed Abyssinia to import arms and maintain her independence, but she could not do so if Italy was allowed to send munitions while Abyssinian licenses were withheld.

If Italy declared war or troops dared to cross the frontiers, Ethiopia would fight, simultaneously appealing to the League. ABYSSINIA UNITED. (Received Friday, 9.5 a.m.) ADDIS ABABA, Thursday. The Emperor, addressing Parliament, said that although Italy possessed all the weapons of modern warfare, she would yet see how a united Abyssinia could defend her territory. The Emperor, reviewing the troops, said: “God will be your shield. Your Sovereign is with you, and will not hesitate to shed his blood in defence of his country’s independence.”

ABYSSINIAN ATTACKS. ROMJ3, Thursday. An official communique alleges that Abyssinian parties crossed the Abys-sinian-Eritrean frontier and attacked a small Italian outpost at Dol. The attackers were repulsed. Other raiding parties simultaneously penetrated the Mada Plain, killing and wounding unarmed herdsmen, women and children, and capturing 4000 head of cattle. The raiders took as slaves several prisoners of both sexes. An Italian detachment sent from Assab to punish the raiders arrived too late, and halted at the Abyssinian frontier in acordhnce with orders. FRANCE TAKES A HAND. LONDON, Thursday. The Paris correspondent of “The Times” says that the French Government’s efforts are now directed toward persuading Signor Mussolini to state his case at Geneva, and it is admitted that he has a case. It is being put to him that if Italy refused it would be a deadly blow, to the League, which might have serious effects on the AvhoJe European situation. „ . . It is also held that if Italy has faith in the justice of her cause, it is only reasonable to suppose that she will use the League’s machinery to help her solve the crisis. • THREAT TO LEAGUE. (Received Friday, 9.5 a.m.) LONDON, Thursday. The “Morning Post’s” Rome correspondent says that if the League of Nations Council supports the suggestion of a compromise between Italy and Abyssinia as co-equals at Geneva, Italj will not tolerate such an assumption of equality. Italy expects the League to expel Abyssinia from Geneva, otherwise Italy will leave.