COUNTER-PROPOSALS

Evening Star, Issue 22142, 24 September 1935, Page 9

COUNTER-PROPOSALS

Rejected by League Committee Dispute Referred Back to Council

Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright

GENEVA, September 23. The Committee of Five rejected Signor Mussolini’s counter-proposals as unacceptable and not susceptible to discussion within the framework of the Covenant. The committee decided to refer the whole dispute back to the Council, to which it will report the whole of the - negotiations, including Abyssinia’s offer of the acceptance of the committee’s plan as a basis for a settlement. Senor Madariaga will see the parties this afternoon, but there is little hope of a change, since Italy objects to almost every point in the plan. Furthermore, it is understood that Signor Mussolini is annoyed because the committee ignored his accusations against Abyssinia. Dr Hawariat told the British United Press Association’s representative that the Eniperor would never agree to Italy’s proposal that the high commissioner must be an Italian and to Abyssinian demobilisation. It is believed that the committee will report to-morrow and the Council will meet later in the day. ITALY'S DEMANDS OPPOSED TO LEAGUE PRINCIPLES LONDON, September 23. The Geneva correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ says: The Italian counter claims also included a demand for the separation of the non-Ambaric territories in Abyssinia from the Amharic, placing them under Italian control. The prospect of a settlement now appears ( to have vanished, for the proposals go far beyond anything Abyssinia would freely accept. Moreover, they ■ cannot be reconciled with the principles of the League Covenant and the rights of Abyssinia as a League member, and are practically a repetition of Italy’s demands since the beginning of the dispute. If they were enforced if would mean Italian military domination, which the League Council, and especially Britain, regards as unacceptable in any circumstances. DDDR STILL OPEN NEWSPAPERS COUNSEL PATIENCE (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 23. (Received September 24. at noon.) The verbal communication made by Baron Aloisi to Senor Madariaga puts forward what are described as counterproposals in reply to those contained in the committee’s report. The view expressed at Geneva is that these counter-proposals go far beyond anything which the Emperor of Abyssinia c<suld freely accept, or which could be reconciled with the principles of the League, and with the rights of Abyssina as a member of the League.

It is recognised that Italy’s official reply to the .committee’s proposals still keeps the door open for negotiations, and it is remarked that the delay affords an opportunity for negotiations, and responsible newspapers counsel patience. BRITISH CABINET TO MEET LONDON, September 23. Mr Stanley Baldwin will consult his principal colleagues to-day and the Cabinet will meet on September 24. PRIME MINISTER RETURNS TO LONDON (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 23. (Received September 24, at noon.) The Prime Minister returned to London yesterday from Chequers, and it is expected that all the members of Cabinet will be present to-morrow at the first meeting of Cabinet since August 22. In the interval there have, however, been several informal meetings of Ministers, including those responsible for the Defence Departments. ITALIAN MINISTERS CONFER LONDON, September 33. The ‘ Daily Mail’s ’ Rome correspondent says: “Signor Mussolini unexpectedly summoned the Ministers and conferred with them all day.” BRITAIN'S DEFENCES THE GOVERNMENT'S INTENTIONS LONDON, September 23. Re-establishment of the defence forces is likely to dominate the elections, says the ‘ Morning Post,’ in commenting on Sir Neville Chamberlain’s speech. The ‘ Daily Express ’ understands that the Government has decided on a big rearmament plan, involving rebuilding and increasing the Navy, and further expansion of the Air Force,

AUSTRALIA'S POLICY PRIME MINISTER’S EXPLANATION CANBERRA, September 23. The Prime Minister (Mr J. A. Lyons), in the House of Representatives, and Sir George Pearce, leader of the Government in the Senate, to-day made statements in regard to the Italo-Abyssinian situation in identical speeches, which dealt with the immediate cause of the present dispute, Italy’s complaints against Abyssinia, and the efforts of the League Conciliation Commission to bring about a settlement. The Prime Minister explained in detail in what circumstances sanctions would have to be applied. He reiterated that Mr Bruce had been instructed on August 30 that the policy of the Commonwealth Government was close co-operation with the United Kingdom Government for continued efforts to settle the dispute by peaceful means and for the maintenance of the principles of the League. The Commonwealth Government “ is convinced that the upholding of the principles of collective security is essential to world peace. Nevertheless, it desires to point out that none of the provisions of the Covenant have been violated by either Italy or Abyssinia. The Government feels that discussion op these matters should not at this juncture assume that either country will violate any League obligation. It is therefore unwise to anticipate any breach or to announce in advance the course of action to be followed by the Commonwealth Government in contingencies the nature and circumstances of which cannot at present bo foreseen. The Government feels strongly that it should not, either by word or action, embarrass those who are earnestly striving to effect a peaceful settlement.” MR LYONS AND MR BRUCE IN ACCORD LONDON, September 23. (Received September 24, at 2 p.m.) The Associated Press Association’s special Geneva correspondent says: British circles at Geneva declined to comment on Mr Lyons’s speech, which bears such a striking resemblance to Mr Bruce’s restrained declaration of September 11 as to suggest that Mr Bruco has taken pains to urge on Mr Lyons the advisability of remaining a few paces behind Britain, despite the strong character of the South African, New Zealand, Irish Free State, and, to a lesser degree, Canadian declarations. The Associated Press Association learns that Mr Bruce considers that, even if the breach comes, the process of international action against the aggressor will, only be gradual, and therefore deprecates any form of commitment until faced with absolute necessity. AUSTRALIAN LABOUR VIEWS CANBERRA, September 23. Both the Federal and the New South Wales Labour Parties to-day unanimously decided to oppose to the utmost participation by Australia in any circumstances in any war arising from the dispute between Italy and, Abyssinia. The leaders of both Labour Wings, when speaking in the debate on the Abyssinian question initiated by the Prime Minister, made Labour’s position quite clear. Mr Forde, Acting Federal Leader, said; “Our attitude is that Australia must keep free from entanglements leading to a repetition of the 1914-18 horrors.” Mr Beasley said; “ Australia must declare and maintain a policy* of absolute isolation and strict neutrality.”

ONLY VERBAL EXPLANATION OF ITALIAN POINT OF VIEW COUNCIL MUST NOW TAKE MAHER UP GENEVA, September 23. (Received September 2-1, at 10.10 a.m.) The Associated Press Association’s special Geneva correspondent says that Baron Aloisi made a verbal explanation of the Italian point of view to Senor Madariaga, but did not formally submit counter-proposals. Lingering hopes that the explanation might have left some loopholes for further efforts by the Committee of Five were dispelled by the news Senor Madariaga gave the committee. The committee delayed communicating with the Council as long as possible in the hope that the committee might prove a more acceptable negotiating body to tho .Italians than the Council, but the Council must now take up the matter and decide the next procedure. Italian observations negatively reiterated their claims for predominance in Abyssinia, all of which the Committee previously ruled out. LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE MORE CHEERFUL LONDON, September 23. (Received September 24, at 11 a.m.) The Stock Exchange opened with a more cheerful tone. British funds recovered all round.

THE DEPOSED KING

PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT ESCAPE ‘ ADDIS ABABA, September 23. (Received September 24, at 10 a.m.) Presumably fearing that he might be useful in Italy’s hands, the- Emperor has tightened the precautions to prevent the escape of Lij Jasspu, the deposed king of Abyssinia, who has been a prisoner for 12 years in a mountain fortress. Jassou, who is the figurehead of the Ethiopian Moslems, is permitted any luxury, including champagne, literature, and a gramophone, but he is linked by a gold chain on the wrist with a guard, who is threatened with death if his charge escapes. M. LAVAL AS INTERMEDIARY ROME, September 23. (Received September 24, at 11 a.m.) The official spokesman says that diplomatic exchanges are continuing with greater intensity. This is inter- ( preted to mean Signor Mussolini will use M, Laval as an intermediary. LEAGUE COMMITTEE'S PROPOSALS ABYSSINIA’S REPLY GENEVA, September 23. (Received September 24, at 1 p.m.) The Abyssinian reply to the Committee of Five, published to-night, states that it is willing immediately to open negotiations on the basis of the committee’s proposals. It emphasises that Abyssinia is resolved to abide by its undertakings, especially in respect to slavery, and is prepared to negotiate for a -territorial adjustment on the basis of exchange on terms advantageous to all parties. It is realised that the League is disinterestedly desirous of assisting Abyssinia to develop its resources and improve its social conditions, and to this end such assistance must be collective and international, reserving to the Emperor the right to veto foreign advisers. The reply also notes the Anglo-French undertakings in respect to Italy’s special interests. Abyssinia says that this matter is solely one concerning Britain, France, and Italy.

STATEMENT BY COMMITTEE REPORT TO BE MADE TO-MUNCH (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 23. (Received September 24, at noon.) The League Council’s Sub-committee of Five has issued the following statement:—“The committee took note of the affirmative reply received from Abyssinia to its proposals, and also examined the Italian reply and its accompanying observations. The committee decided to report to ‘the Council on the whole situation as it appends from the documents and information.” It is understood that all the members of the committee agreed that the observations accompanying the Italian reply were not qualified for discussion within the framework of the Covenant.

It is believed that the Abyssinian reply was without any formal reservations, as the proposals were only a basis for discussion.

Later the Committee of Five issued the text of the Note communicated last week by Senor Madariaga to the Abyssinian and Italian delegations. It explains that jn its work the committee was guided first by the necessity of respecting the independence, territorial integrity, and security of all League members; secondly, by the need to maintain good neighbourly relations bGtween them; and, after recalling that the Abyssinian Government had assumed special obligations, particularly regarding slavery dAd the traffic in arms on being admitted to the League, it goes on to outline the form in which the League might extend to the Ethiopian Government collaboration and assistance on a collective international basis to enable it to undertake the wide measure of constructive action necessary, not only to improve the lot of the Abyssinian people, but also to enable the Empire to live in harmony with its neighbours. The Note includes a Franco-British protocol recording the willingness of the French and British Governments to facilitate territorial adjustments such as might contribute to a settlement, and also their readiness to recognise special Italian economic development of Abyssinia, and to look with favour on the conclusion of economic agreements between Italy and Abyssinia.

It is expected that the Committee of Five will meet again to-morrow morning to consider its report to tho Council. This report will be completed as early as possible, and the Council may meet on Wednesday to receive it. According to a Geneva message, some people still believe that a fresh basis for further discussion with the Italian Government may yet be‘found. “PRACTICALLY HOPELESS” COMMITTEEMAN'S VIEW OF SITUATION GENEVA, September 23. (Received September 24, at 10 a.m.) Though the committee has not issued an official announcement of rejection, such a course is stated to be clear from the discussions. One committeeman admitted that tho situation was very difficult and practically hopeless, A strange turn is an official denial from Rome that Baron Alois! submitted any proposals, but merely discussed Saturday's Italian communique with Benor Madariaga. *

BRITISH AMBASSADOR AND IL DUGE

ITALY IN THE AIR 2,000 AEROPLANES FORMIDABLE FORCE Details of the decree issued by the Italian Government increasing the strength of the Air Force by nearly 16,000 men, making the total over 40,000, are given in tho ‘ Official Gazette’ (says the ‘Daily Telegraph ’). The decree provides for 500 more officers, 1,800 non-commissioned officers, and 10.988 privates, The Air Ministry is also empowered

“PARTICULARLY PLEASANT” TALK ROME, September 23. (Received September 24, at 2 p.m.) Sir Eric Drummond (the British Ambassador) called on Signor Mussolini, and conveyed a special message from Sir Samuel Hoare. The talk, which lasted an hour, was described as “particularly pleasant.” * • FREE PARDON FOR PRISONERS MUST JOIN ABYSSINIAN ARMY ADDIS ABABA, September 23. (Received September 24, at 1.30 p.m.) The Emperor is extending a free pardon to 50,000 prisoners and fugitives from justice, excepting murderers, on condition that they join the army. Many of those already pardoned have sßown exemplary bravery and served with distinction in previous campaigns. It is estimated that Abyssinia is now able to mobilise over 1,000,000, but it is impossible to arm them all with rifles. BARON ALQISI’S SUGGESTIONS SUMMARILY REJECTED BY ABYSSINIAN SPOKESMAN GENEVA, September 23. (Received September SI, at 2.30 p.m.) It is understood that Italy wishes Baron" Aloisi’s suggestions to Senor Madariaga to be regarded, not as but simply as reasons why the Committee of Five’s proposals were unacceptable. • Sir Porcival Phillips, the ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ Addis Ababa correspondent, says that the Abyssinian spokesman described Baron Aloisi’s suggestions as “preposterous.” He said: “ The only territory we are willing to cede is Ogaden and Aussa—in return for a cash payment—and also the modernisation of Abyssinia under approved foreign advisers. The disarmament of the feudatory princes would mean civil war.”

ANGLO-FRENCH ACCORD CLOSE MAINTAINED GENEVA, September 23. (Received September 24. at 2.15 p.m.) Whatever anxiety still existed regarding French support of Britain was dispelled this evening when, after Captain Eden had lengthily conferred with M. Laval, it was stated that Britain and Prance agreed on the necessity for the closest co-operation at the present critical juncture.

LITTLE HOPE OF COMPROMISE DANGERS OF DESTRUCTION OF LEAGUE COVENANT ■ LONDON, September 23. (Received September 24, at 1.30 p.m.) 4 The Times, * in a leader on the Abyssinian situation, says: “Only the most slender hope remains for a peaceful settlement. There is small probability in reconciling Italy’s sweeping, impracticable, and unreasonable programme with the committee’s constructive compromise. If Italy is still willing to negotiate no door will be closed, but vigilance is necessary. It does not need imagination to visualise the kind of world, which destruction of the ■League Covenant would leave. We must not for our life’s sake sacrifice the objects for which we are living.” Mr Vernon Bartlett, the ‘ Daily Chronicle’s ’ Geneva correspondent, says'not one delegate in a hundred now believes in the possibility of a compromise, but Signor Mussolini will be given every opportunity to change his mind without loss of dignity.

MUSSOLINI'S MENTALITY PRIDE AND EXALTATION LONDON, September 23. t 4 The Times,’ in a leader, says: 44 Perhaps it is not unfair to believe that Signor Mussolini, itching to prove that the Fascists are fighting men, would almost be disappointed with a bloodless triumph. Is the Dictator living in an atmosphere of adulation and fatal judgment? None need credit the ridiculous rumour that 11 Duce is 4 off his head,’ but there is a form of responsibility not far removed from madness to which all autocrats are liable when they cut themselves from public opinion. This has bees aggravated by the, violence of the anti-British campaign in the Italian Press. British battleshps do not intend to throw shells on Naples or Venice. The ships are there to maintain peace, guarantee security/ of the Mediterranean routes, and deal promptly and effectually with any incident which might set Europe ablaze.”

260 M.P.H. AEROPLANES,

UNSUITABLE COUNTRY.

to maintain with the colours 1,500 officers and 1,500 non-commissioned officers, of the Air Reserve, „ At the last year the Italian Royal Air Force had 1,861 aeroplanes, including reserves and school machines, writes Major C. C. Turner in tho same journal, in comment on this news. For two years reorganisation and re-equipment, rather than increase in numerical strength, was tho Air Ministry’s policy, but for the past eight or nine months tho growth has been continuous. Thel total number of aeroplanes is now about 2,000. It is probable that of these some 1,250 are in tho hrstlino ” category. With the increase of personnel now announced, the Italian Air Force will have a total of 40,483 officers and men. The present British total is about 37,000, and this will be increased to about 55,000 by the spring of 1938. British first-line aircraft at present number about 1,170, to bo increased to about 2,000 in the next 1? months. Present strength in first-line aircraft of the leading Powers is approximately :—■

Germany recently claimed that she had achieved parity with Great Britain. , . , ~ T , ~ With its latest equipment the Italian Air Force is very formidable; especially if it may be assumed that provision of armament and other.accessories, and also training, have not been neglected.

Among the new aeroplanes in production and already supplied to some squadrons aro the Fiat C.R.30, which has a speed, it is claimed,, of 230 m.p.h. There is .another Fiat under development, and it is said to do more than 260 m.p.h. . In the fighter class Italy, therefore, is in much the same technical stage as Great Britain and other great Powers. Italy, however, bases her air war policy on the theory of the massed and continuous offensive, and to that end she has developed the bomber. There is, for example, the Piaggio 16 B. monoplane, fitted with three. Piaggio engines, and capable, it is claimed, of a maximum speed of 248 m.p.h., of a range with half a ton of bombs of 1,220 miles, or with one ton of bombs of 900 miles. The new Savoia throe - engined (Piaggios) is a heavy bomber, carrying two tons of bombs a distance of 620 miles at a speed of 206 m.p.h. These new bombers have been in production for some months, but it must not be concluded that squadrons have yet become habituated to them. Mention must be made of the two DoX flying boats which Italy boiight from the German firm of Dorniers. These are 12-engined boats of au allin weight of about 51 tons. They have not a very good performance, and except perhaps for carrying a big load of munitions for a comparatively short distance, would be of little use.

It is clear that, so far as operations iyi Abyssinia are concerned, only a portion of Italy’s air force could be used. There will be no occasion to send lighters, and strict regard l must bo paid to landing conditions. There are few countries in the world so unsuitable for aircraft as Abyssinia. _ _ As to bombing operations. Abyssinia is not' so vulnerable as are highlyorganised industrial States. There is the capital, but an attack on it would not have the same effect as an attack on a big city in Western Europe. The Italian Air Force, which, like the British, is separate from tho Navy and the Army, is animated by a very fine spirit, and has achieved some remarkable performances. Italy holds tho world altitude and speed records, both the result of service effort. In 1930 General Balbo led a flight of 12 seaplanes across the South Atlantic to Rio de Janeiro, and in 1933 he led a fleet of 24 to Chicago and back. These achievements are evidence of high technical development, and of attention to mechanical maintenance, and although “ star ” turns, they afford proof of the success of the Duce’s determination to give air power duo importance.

Great Britain 1,170 France ... .. 1.700 Italy_ ... ... ••• .. R250 Russia ••• .. 1,500 1I.S.A ... .. 1,800 Japan • .. 1,400