ABYSSINIA’S CASE STATED

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19674, 6 September 1935, Page 7

ABYSSINIA’S CASE STATED

APPEAL TO DEFEND EXISTENCE. ACCUSATIONS NOT WORTHY OF ANSWER ITALIAN DELEGATE’S DRAMATIC EXIT (United Press Assn.—ELec. Tel. Copyright.) (Received Sept. 6, 1.0 p.m.) GENEVA, Sept. 5. At the public session of the League of Nations Council the spokesman of Ethiopia replied to Baron Aloisi’s speech. When he made an appeal to the League to defend the independence and existence of his country, Signor Rocco, who was sitting in the place of Baron Aloisi as the Italian member, rose and left the council chamber. The Italian delegation explained afterwards that this proceeding had no significance in regard to Italy’s membership in the League, but Italy did not recognise Abyssinia’s right to be a member of the League and the delegate refused to listen to the Abyssinian representative. The Ethiopian representative said that Italy was attempting to dishonour a country she desired to suppress. The accusations were not worthy of a detailed answer. He refuted the charge that Abyssinia was prepared for attack.

“We solemnly pledge ourselves to respect all our international obligations. We are ready to accept help from disinterested countries in the modernisation of our country.” Dr. Jeze concluded with an appeal to the council to accept its responsibilities under Articles 10 and 15 of the League (Covenant.

Before the Council adjourned the Soviet member, M. Litvinoff, in a brief hut pointed speech, announced on behalf of his Government its readiness to assume all its responsibilities.

/ He repudiated any sympathy with the conditions which the Italians alleged existed in Abyssinia, but claimed that it was indispensable to protect the integrity and independence of a member of the League. There were other than military measures which could be used to civilise backward countries. He could not approve of the attitude which the Italian member asked the Council to take up. Russia joined the League to collaborate in the cause of peace, and for that reason he advised his colleagues not to shrink from the necessary decisions.