BOYCOTT OF ITALY

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXX, Issue 241, 18 October 1935, Page 2

BOYCOTT OF ITALY

Roosevelt Limited by Act OIL EXPORTS INCREASE HEAVY COTTON SHIPMENTS By Telegtraph— Copyright —Press Assn WASHINGTON, Oct. 16. While the State Department denied to-day that either Britain or France had made overtures to have America join the League boycott against Italy, it appears that such action, if requested, must necessarily be denied. In the first place, the President is bound by the terms of the Neutrality Act and it would require an Act of Congress to declare a boycott. Then, too, exporters, who have been critical of the President’s indirect request for commercial relations with belligerents to cease, would undoubtedly vigorously protest against a boycott of Italy. To date it appears that American exports to Italy are increasing, if anything. It is learned that American oil interests have been approached to join foreign producers in shutting off this vital product to Italy, but it is understood that they refused, as petroleum is not on the President’s embargo list. The United Press declares that the American export liner Exochordo sailed a few days ago for Italy with a heavy cargo, including 25,500 bales of cotton, 1000 automobiles and great quantities of lubrication oil and foodstuffs.

DOMINIONS’ POSITION

ALL GOODS AFFECTED By Telegraph —Copyright—Press AsGENEVA, Oct. 17. Though meetings between British and Dominion delegates preceded all other major British steps, it is understood that no meetings will be held to discuss Air. Anthony Eden's boycott resolution (reported below). The resolution did not surprise the Dominion delegates, who realise that the vote thereon in the full Sanctions Committee on Friday will decisively test feeling.

Meanwhile, they are reluctant to discuss proposals pending instructions from their Governments how to vote.

•Most delegates are proceeding home at the week-end, leaving small committees to watch the progress of sanctions, which obviously are bound up with Mr. 'Eden's resolution. A sweeping boycott of all imports from Italy was proposed by Mr Anthony Eden when the Economic Subcommittee of the League of Nations re-opened its examination of sanctions. Mr. Eden submitted a resolution whereby all members of the League would pledge themselves to cease purchasing goods of Italian origin except gold and silver. It is understood that the resolution was widely supported. The proposal will be reconsidered at to-morrow’s meeting.

The official text of Mr. Eden's proposals shows that the boycott would be applicable to goods from Italy and Italian territories, goods subject to existing contracts not to be exempted from the provisions, but goods en route at the time of prohibition to be exempted. Governments may ■ fix an appropriate date, making allowance for the time normally necessary to transport goods from Italy, after which the goods would be prohibited. Mr. Eden explained that 70 per cent, of Italy’s exports went to League members. Italy had been making great efforts to reduce imports of luxuries, but there had been a constant drain on her gold reserves and resources. Continuation of war was bound to reduce the nation’s purchasing power. M. Litvinoff energetically intervened. He favoured making the embargo on sales to Italy as complete as possible, embracing not only s key products but materials her manufacturers needed. Switzerland and Poland made reservations regarding Mr. Eden's proposals, which other delegations, including France, asked for time to study. It is intended to obtain by the week-end the full committeeis approval of whatever step is ultimately recommended.

MEDITERRANEAN FLEET AND MUSSOLINI’S OFFER By Telegraph—Copyright—Press Assn. LONDON, Oct. 16. The “Sun-Herald” news service says that it is understood that Cabi-

net has decided that the British Fleet will remain in the Mediterranean until the crisis ends. It is learned that Signor Mussolini offered to withdraw his troops from Libya if Britain demobilised the fleet in the Mediterranean: M. Laval, in conversation with the British Ambassador at Paris yesterday, made a similar appeal. The British reply is emphatic. In addition, Signor Mussolini will be informed that tfce large concentration of troops in Libya is an anti-British

gesture and cannot be regarded as a precautionary measure against the A British Official Wireless message says:—- It is stated in London that the report in circulation to the effect that the question of naval forces in the Mediterranean was mentioned in the course of an interview yesterday between the British Ambassador in Paris, Sir George Clerk, and Al. Laval is correct. It is understood that the object was to ascertain whether the situation would be improved by reduction of the British strength to a strength nearer to that obtaining before precautionary measures were taken in the face of the provocative attitude of the Italian Press.

Some reference, it is believed, was made to a suggestion originally attributed to the head of the Italian Government, which connected the question with reduction of the Italian reinforcements in Libya. The matter was merely touched in general conversation, and it is stated that the suggestion that M. Laval had proposed terms of settlement in this or any other connection is untrue. Incidentally, a Paris Press mes- • sage reports that M. Laval himself | denied to-day that he had made any I proposals to Italy in the past few days. The attitude of the British Government, now there has been resort to war, is to restore peace at the earliest possible moment. There is no official information of the actual disposition of British warships in the Mediterranean and Red Sea, but the following table, compiled from the Admiralty's list of reported arrivals in addition to Paris advices and official Italian figures, gives the fleets as follows: — Brit. Fr. Italy

It will thus be seen that Italy's chief strength is in torpedo craft. Britain and France are vastly superior in gun-power, as, for example: Britain, 54 15-inch guns; France and Italy, none. Britain, 62 8-inch guns; France, 48; Italy 56. Britain, 12 9 6-inch guns; France, 8; Italy, 80. Italy does not possess an aircraftcarrier, but has one aircraft transport capable of operating seaplanes in calm weather. The Italian navy is well provided with mine-laying facilities, and has six mine-sweepers which are also fitted as mine-layers. The majority of the Italian destroyers are similarly fitted. Britain has 17 mine-sweepers and sloops fitted for mine-sweeping.

8-in. gun cruisers . . 5 3 2 6-in. gun cruisers . . 8 6 7 Battleships 10 1 Destrovers 59 Submarines 13 50 59 Battle-cruisers . . . 2 Aircraft-carriers 2 1 — Torpedo-boats .. . — — 35