RECOGNITION OF HAILE SELASSIE

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21336, 6 February 1941, Page 6

RECOGNITION OF HAILE SELASSIE

Britain’s recognition of Abyssinia as an independent State with Haile Selassie as its Emperor has been announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Anthony Eden. That fact alone indicates the startling change that has occurred in Northern Africa in the past few weeks. The effect of the announcement in Italy can well be imagined • —that is if the Italian people are permitted to hear it. The statement of itself does not alter the physical position, but it does disclose the aim and the confidence of Britain and her allies and gives a more official standing to Abyssinia as an independent entity. Haile Selassie has apparently intimated that he will require outside assistance and guidance in making good his claim to sovereignty, and Britain will supply that aid with good will and enthusiasm. The major struggle for the rescue of Abyssinia from Italian thraldom has yet to come, but so much has been accomplished in a few weeks that Haile Selassie may not have to wait long before he can claim mastery of the situation. He is now in the heart of his own territory and every day his native army, with the assistance of the Allies, is taking more definite shape and is harassing the Italian garrisons. Italy’s chances of successfully disputing Haile Selassie’s sovereignty do not appear bright. But owing to the nature of the country and the multitude of tasks awaiting the Allied forces too much should not be expected immediately.

As the world already knew, Mr Eden emphasised that Britain has no territorial ambitions in Abyssinia. It is proposed that any guidance m political and economic matters that may be required by the Emperor should be the subject of an international arrangement at the conclusion of peace. But in the meantime Abyssinia will require military assistance, and that Britain proposes to give to the best of its ability. Such assistance will be given in consultation with Haile Selassie. Abyssinia could scarcely hope for anything more than that. The country has, in fact, been given what must appear to be a heavensent opportunity to throw off the Italian yoke and regain complete independence.