ITALY IN AFRICA

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 84, 3 January 1935, Page 7

ITALY IN AFRICA

Reported Anxiety For Colonial Expansion RELATIONS WITH ABYSSINIA “Cloud of International Intrigue” SECRET UNDERSTANDING? • By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. ■ (Received January 2, 9.5 p.m.) London, January 2._ The "Daily Telegraph's’’ special correspondent at Addis Ababa says: A dark cloud of international intrigue forms a background to the situation in Abyssinia. Italy is desperately anxious for colonial expansion and covets the rich and undeveloped slice of the Ethiopian empire between Eritrea and Italian . Somaliland, but' according to con- • sidered Opinion, a rude shock awaits attackers.

Abyssiniaus complain of Italian truculence and of the landing of heavy military supplies in Somaliland and Eritrea, which are both to-day virtuai•ly barred against all save Italian official and business men. It is stated that the size of the air force at Massaua is surprising and that roads are being built in both Italian territories to the Abyssinian borders. Italians express fear that Abyssinians will raid Somaliland. This is unlikely, as Itajy is the last Power she wishes to provoke, i visited French Somaliland, where it is believed that Italy and France have a secret understanding under which Italy will obtain a protectorate over Ethiopia and change her attitude towards Austria in support for a French-Danubian bloc against Nazi expansions. NOTE SENT TO LEAGUE Abyssinian Request Geneva, January 1. An Abyssinian Note presses tor the arbitration of the Italian dispute, agrees to give satisfaction if held responsible for aggression at Ualual, and maintains its contention that the Italians were the aggressors.