WORLD DISCONTENT

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19758, 13 December 1935, Page 7

WORLD DISCONTENT

STORM OF INDIGNATION. FRANCE’S DIPLOMATIC TRIUMPH “OLD BRITISH SPIRIT HAS ARISEN.” (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright.) (Received Deo. 13, 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 12. Encouraged by what the Manchester Guardian describes as an undoubted diplomatic triumph over Sir Samuel Hoare M. Laval is reported to he concentrating not only on shelving the oil embargo hut on lifting the other sanctions, on the ground that they are incompatible with the free conduct of the peace negotiations. The proposals, however, are causing a storm of indignation throughout the world.

The Times gives prominence to despatches from correspondents in Paris, Geneva, Washington and elsewhere, emphasising the discontent.

It also publishes a letter from Sir Abe Bailey, declaring that the smaller nations, among which. are the Dominions, are again uneasy, and some in despair, that other aggressors will take heart and sharpen their swords. The only ray of hope is that the old British spirit has arisen, and the people of England will take the matter in hand. The Emperor, Haili Selassie, in a statement, said: “ Ethiopia, after the Paris Conference and the meeting of the Committee of Five, accepted all concessions compatible with dignity to avoid Italian aggression, which nevertheless continued. We cannot yield to force. That would constitute a reward for violence.”

A CRITICAL POSITION

BRITAIN ALARMED.

GREAT VOLUME OF PROTESTB. DENUNCIATION OF BRITAIN. FEARS FOR MEDITERRANEAN. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright (Reoelved Deo. 11-0 a -®0 LONDON, Deo. 12. The political correspondent of the Manchester Guardian says that dejection has seldom been seen In the House of Commons as when at last it was realised that the proposals represent a considered act toy th Cabinet. r™ l’he Morning Post says the Government is surprised at the volume of protests even among its own supporters. The Daily Mail’s diplomatic correspondent describes Government members as toeing in the mood for revolt. The proposals shocked Mr R. A. Eden, tout he decided that he must support Sir Samuel Hoare, especially in view of the dangerous development of the situation in the Mediterranean.

ITALY LIKELY TO ACCEPT.

It is suggested in high, quarters that the Cabinet was also influenced by the situation in Egypt, where there is a united front demanding that the 1 930 treaty be carried out, giving virtual independence’and necessitating •the withdrawal of British troops from Cairo and Suez Canal zones.

THE PEACE FORMULA.

DISCUSSED AT GENEVA. MINISTERIAL EXPLANATION. NO DECISION .REACHED, (Official Wireless.) (Received Deo. 13, 11-45 a.m.) RUGBY, Deo. 12. When the League’s Committee of Eighteen met at Geneva this afternoon, statements regarding the situation arising from the Paris conversations were made by AI. Laval and Air R. A. Eden. , , M. Laval said the proposals drawn up in Paris would be communicated to the League Council and the task of the French and British Governments would then be done. It would be for the League itself to decide the next move. lie hoped the Committee would recognise the loyalty of the effort which his Government, with the British Government had made. IVIr Eden’s Hopes. Mr Eden recalled the unanimous goodwill with which tiic Committee, at i|s Inst meeting, approved of the attempts to Hint a basis for discussion between Italy and Ethiopia, and said: “What, therefore, the representatives of Die United Kingdom and the French Governments have been seeking to do in Paris was to work out proposals that might lie suited to bo’h sides, ami upon which both might he willing lo come together to open discussions. Here in Geneva Dio proposals now put forward are neither definite nor sucrosnnt They are suggestions which it is hoped will make possible Die beginning of negotiations, if ttie League does not agree with these suggest ions we shall make no complaint indeed, we should cordially welcome any suggestions for their improvement. “The policy of His Alajesty’s Government remains to-day what it has been since the dispute began. II is that, a settlement must he acceptable lo Die League, as well as lo Die lwo parlies in eoniliet. In Ihese eireimisiaiices it seems lo me Dial, the host procedure lo follow at present is lo call Mgetlier the Council at Die earliest, practicable moment, in order Dial a full ■statement of proposals should be made to it. ft will ho for Dial body to determine, as and when it sees 11L, wlial course it would wish to pursue in the light of the situation Unis created, and, in advance, I emphasise that as far as His Majesty's Government is concerned, it will not only accept the judgment of. its colleagues hut will continue lo use its best efforts to further the two objectives which (Continued in next column.J.

WIDESPREAD CONDEMNATION. HOPES FOR REJECTION. MOTION IN PARLIAMENT. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright . LONDON, Deo. 12. The News Chronicle declares that the British Government is alarmed at the widespread condemnation of thd Hoare-Laval peaoe plan, and Is trusting that the Powers at Geneva will reject It.

Four back-bench Conservatives and two Liberals have sponsored a motion In the House of Commons that the House should not assent to a peace settlement granting an aggressor greater concessions than could have been obtained by peaceful negotiation.

THE ANGLO-FRENCH PROPOSALS.

BASIS FOR NEGOTIATION. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, Dec. 12. Well-informed Rome correspondents predict that Signor Mussolini will aooept the FrancoBrltlsh proposals.

The Paris correspondent of the Times says that Signor Cerutti, the Italian Ambassador, sent a message to M. Laval to the effect that Signor Mussolini has already indicated that his reply will be favourable, and that messages from Rome confirm the expectation of Signor Mussolini’s readiness to accept the plan as a basis for negotiation. Little attention so far 'has been paid to the possible attitude of the League or of the Emperor of Abyssinia. His refusal to accept is taken for granted, x but it is believed that pressure from the right quarter will be "ffective.

As for the League, the fact that Britain has so far led the movement against aggression inspires confidence that the same influence can be used somewhat differently with equal success. Mr Eden’s Attitude. The Times Rome correspondent says that the Fascist press gives prominence to the Jlouse of Commons debate, and Mr Eden is credited wiih having clone his best io wreck the peace proposals.

Some correspondents go so far as to say that he withdrew threats of resignation only after being summoned to Buckingham Palace, where he received counsels of moderation from the King. The correspondent says it is fell, that Italy will do nothing regarding the proposals until she sees what happens at Geneva.

The Daily Telegraph’s Genc-va correspondent says it is very likely that the Commit led of Eighteen will decide on oil sanctions.

have been constantly before us in this 'dispute—the restoration of peace and the maintenance of Iho authority of the League. A New Situation. “The Polish delegate then declared that the Paris proposals had created an entirely new siluulion. lie urged Hint the Committee should abstain from any measures of a political character uniil Ihe Council met and pronounced upon iho situation. The Committee appeared to agree with the, Polish view, and adjourned til] Saturday, when it will consider Ihe report of the experts on the working of Hie sanctions. To Meet Tuesday or Wednesday. A Geneva message stales that the Council will probably meet on Tuesday or Wednesday of ncxl week, and in Hie meantime ihe formulas drafted at Paris '’'ill he eomnmnieaUd Io the Council members.