FRENCH CRISIS

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXX, Issue 272, 22 November 1935, Page 3

FRENCH CRISIS

In Political Sphere i THE LAVAL government QUESTION OF FASCIST LEAGUES

By Telegraph—Copyright—Press Assn LONDON, Nov. 21.

The “Daily Telegraph’s” Paris correspondent says: “The fate of M. Laval’s Government will be decided in a three-day debate on the Fascist question, beginning on November Radicals and other Leftists are urging that all Fascist leagues, including the formidable Croix de Feu, should be disbanded. After a meeting yesterday night deputies announced that if they did not receive entire satisfaction they would join the Socialists and Communists in overthrowing the Government.

“M. Laval has not yet shown his hand, but apparently he is not prepared to agree to such a drastic step, though he may enforce additional police precautions and forbid all Fascist meetings, public and private. This, however, will merely irritate the Right groups, constituting an Important part of the Government’s majority.”

A BROADCAST ISSUE

MARCONI STILL HOPEFUL

By Telegraph—Copyright—Press Assn LONDON, Nov. 21.

The “Daily Telegraph’s” Rome correspondent says that Marchese Marconi will reach London on November 23 and will discuss the broadcasting ban from London with Sir John Reith, 8.8. C. governor.

Marchese Marconi explains that he desires to make a friendly speech putting the Italian viewpoint. He added that no firsit-class nation could be expected to take sanctions lying down.

The “Daily Mail’s” Rome correspondent said that the British Broadcasting Corporation had refused an application from the Marchese Marconi, who desired to go to London on November 22, to broadcast a 10minute address throughout Britain, giving the Italian viewpoint in the present controversy. The corporation explained that only British Government oi' League officials are permitted to speak on this matter. A similar prohibition was extended to General Ezio Garibaldi, a grandson of the Liberator, on a recent visit to London.

PRO-ITALIAN BRITON

A BROADCAST FROM ROME

By Telegraph—Copyright—Press Assn.

ROME, Nov. 21

Signor Mussolini gave an audience to Lieut.-Colonel Cyril Rocke, who made a broadcast on the Abyssinian campaign from Rome last night, supporting Italy and emphasising that the Abyssinians need civilising influence.

PAYMENTS STOPPED

ITALY STRIKES AT BRITAIN

By Telegraph—Copyright—Press Assn.

LONDON, Nov. 20.

The “News-Chronicle” says that Italy’s most decisive counter-action is the blocking of British bank balances. London banks are advised that all payments from lira accounts kept with their correspondents in Italy will be stopped until further notice. This means that British banks will be unable to dispose of their Italian funds. Some interpret this as the first move in the possible sequestration of British assets in Italy.

5000 ABYSSIN lANS DEAD? A COUNTER ASSERTION Bv Telegraph—Copyright—Press Asso LONDON, Nov. 20. The Italian estimate of 5000 dead Abyssinians as a result of the Antalo bombing raid is countered by Ras Seyoum’s assertion that the casualties were 10 killed and 30 wounded. It is suggested locally that the Italians mistook for corpses recumbent Abyssinians who, in accordance with orders, prostrated themselves when the planes appeared. “The Times” military correspondent comments that the Italians have the good fortune not to be opposed in the air, which saves them from something worse than congestion and Internal disorganisation. Asmara reports that the Italians

admit a successful Abyssinian night attack on a cavalry encampment near Hauzien on November 18, when there were heavy losses on both sides. Captain Rinaldi, detachment commander, was killed.

“The Times” Addis Ababa correspondent says: “Anxiety regarding the whereabouts of the Emperor Haili Sellassie after his mysterious flight has been somewhat allayed by a report that he passed over Harar in the direction of Dire Dawa. The Government deliberately issued conflicting reports of his itinerary in order to reduce the risk of Italian pursuit.