A GRAVE CRISIS

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXX, Issue 191, 21 August 1935, Page 3

A GRAVE CRISIS

Only Hope—League Action

ABYSSINIA’S PLIGHT

AND “WHITE INJUSTICE”

By Telegraph—Copyright —Press Assn. LONDON, August 20.

Mr. Hawariat, Abyssinian Minister in Paris, in the course of a Press interview at Paris paid tribute to the correctness of the British attitude to Abyssinia. He emphasised that Abyssinia’s only hope now was League action, which probably would be too late to prevent war. He added, “The League must apply full sanctions in the event of war, including, if possible, closure of the Suez Canal; but, if the League is too timid to offend Italy, its usefulness has ended. If Italy makes war every coloured race will use the word “Ethiopia” as a war cry and rallying point to organise themselves against white injustice.” Baron Aloisi, interviewed at Paris, declared, “Italy's security is the chief consideration. When you can’t co-operate, you fight; but Italy will at rend the meeting at Geneva on September 4. She will not leave unless she is compelled.” Meanwhile, the Italian-E’hiopiii Conciliation Commission has tar.fp'd tin* choice of M. Jean Politis, Jt-.’e

diplomatist, as fif’h arbitrator. The “Daily Mail’s” Rome correspondent says that the Italian Press continues to treat the Paris breakdown with complete indifference. The “Giornale d’ltalia” points out. that Italy did not ask for the Paris conference but merely attended it to hear the British proposals. The discussion proved that the British and Italian differences are a conflict between reality and Utopia. The paper adds: “Italy wants security for her East -African colonies. This can only be obtained by disarming. The “Daily Mail” in a leader urges Britain to drop out of the whole Abyssinian business after hearing Mr. Anthony Eden's report. It adds, “Britain lacks sufficient forces to support her threat. She is playing poker with an empty hand.”

The breakdown of the three-Power conference had immediate repercussions in British Cabinet circles. A special Foreign Office messenger greeted Mr. Anthony Eden at Croydon. Mr. Eden after handing the messenger a despatch, declared: “Considering what has happened w-e must go on." Cabinet is expected to meet on August 22 or 23, and will, inter alia, consider the export of arms to Abyssinia. France is deeply involved, because she is saddled with the divided task of maintaining the Covenant of the League of Nations w r hile preserving her friendship with Italy. No single Power, in view of the failure of the conference, can now induce Italy to alter her plans. The situation is further complicated by the probability of the Little Entente demanding the censure of Signor Mussolini for his aggressive attitude. Mr. Eden will meet Sir Samuel Hoare to-morrow for discussion of the Abyssinian dispute in the light of the proceedings at the Paris conference and of the former’s private conversations with French and Italian Ministers.

Both Mr. Stanley Baldwin, who is on holiday at Aix les Bains, and Sir Samuel Hoare have been kept closely informed of the progress of the proceedings in Paris. It is expected that Mr. Baldwin will interrupt his holiday and return to London for a meeting of Cabinet which, it is anticipated, will be called within a week to receive a detailed report from Mr. Eden and to consider the whole question resulting from the failure of the Paris conference. M. Eden had a further consultation with M. Laval before leaving Paris by air for London.

After his discussion with M. Laval. Mr. Eden saw Mr. Tekla Hawariat and explained the happenings at the conference. Baron Aloisi visited M. Laval, and it is understood that they mutually exchanged counsels of moderation, particularly with regard to Press polemics. Baron Aloisi returns to Rome to-night.

AN APPEAL TO THE POPE

THE “PEACE OF GOD’’ PROPOSAL

By Telegraph —Copyright—Press Assn LONDON. August 19.

Mr. George Lansbury forwarded the Truce of God appeal to the Pope, to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and to Dr. Scott Lidgett. In a letter to “The Times” the Rev. H. R. L. Sheppard endorses Mr.

Lansbury’s as the only practicable scheme, and promises the support of 250,000 people by Christmas. ITALIAN AIR FORCE HAS TOTAL OF 40.4 83 MEN By Telegraph--Copyright—Press Assn ROME, August 20. Signor Mussolini has increased the Air Force by 16,000 men, bringing the total strength to 40,483. MR. DE VALERA’S VIEWS WILL CO-OPERATE FOR PEACE By Telegraph —Copyright —Press Assn. LONDON, August 20. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Dublin correspondent says that Mr De Valera has decided to go to Geneva for the September League Assembly. He will give the Free State’s view of the dispute between Italy and Abyssinia and indicate the Government’s readiness to co-operate in the League ? efforts to preserve peace.