SILENCE OF ITALY

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXX, Issue 189, 19 August 1935, Page 3

SILENCE OF ITALY

Tripartite Conference PROCEEDING IN PARIS IN ABYSSINIAN DISPUTE By Telegraph—Copyright—Press As. PARIS, Aug. 17. The conference at the Quai d'Orsay between Britain (Mr R. A. Eden) and France (M. Pierre Laval) and Italy (Baron Pompeo Alois!) on the Abyssinian question was postponed this morning, as Baron Aloisi was awaiting instructions from Signor Mussolini. The baron was informed that France wholeheartedly supports Britain’s demand that the dispute be settled with no recourse to war. Baron Aloisi thereupon telegraphed Signor Mussolini, whose reply is awaited. This will determine whether the talks can be continued to-day. Late this evening the Italian delegation received the Press. The spokesman declined to answer direct questions and caused surprise by stating that the conference was not awaiting a statement of Italy's claims. Though he declared that Italy had always endeavoured to remain on good terms with Abyssinia, the impression left with British and American journalists was that Italy's

attitude is uncompromising. The French Press adversely comments on the delays. The “Intransigeant" declares that if Signor Mussolini intends to use the time for military preparations he will find the advantage out-weighed by world resentment. VISIT TO HIS TROOPS MUSSOLINI AT NAPLES Ry Telegraph—Copyright —Press Assn. ROME, August 18. While Baron Aloisi was seeking io make contact with Signor Mussolini, the latter, driving his own car, visited 12,000 troops who are sailing from Naples to-morrow. He declared: “We will go forward until we achieve a Fascist Empire. I know you will do your duty with iron discipline until all goals are attained. It is officially stated tha Italy has now a million men under arms. Count Ciano, Signor Mussolini’s son-in-law and Minister for Propaganda. the youngest member of the Cabinet, has been called up and drafted for service in a bombing squadron in East Africa. The only paper still hoping for peace is the “Osservatore Romano.’’ official organ of the Vatican. The Press in general declares that a compromise would be worse than defeat, and for that reason the conference is useless.

A member of Parlaiment, Signor Maurizio Maraviglia, declares the conquest of Abyssinia is vitally necessary to Italy.

ATTACKED BY' TRIBESMEN

A RUMOUR QUICKLY' SCOTCHED

By Telegraph —Copyright —Press Assn. PARIS, August 18.

During the day a report emanated from Rome that Abyssinians had attacked tribesmen in French Somaliland. It was alleged that 100, including 20 French .subjects had been killed. The French Colonial Minister denied the report, pointing out that Agadelle, where the “battle” allegedly occurred, was 150 miles inside Abyssinia territory. DEFENCE OF DJIBOUTI FRENCH TAKE PRECAUTIONS By Telegraph—Copyright—Press Assn. LONDON, August 16. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Djibouti correspondent says that the French authorities, owing to the Somalis' strong sympathy with their Abyssinian neighbours, are taking unusual precautions to preserve order in their terirtory in the event of an ItaloAbyssinian war.