ITALY'S PUPPET?

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 182, 19 August 1937, Page 5

ITALY'S PUPPET?

i— Press Assr

Sellassie Twice Rejects Duce's Ofier ABYSSINIAN TROUBLES

(By Telegranl

t,— Copyright.)

(Received 19, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 18. The News-Chronicle recalls that Signor Mussolini has at least twice invited Haile Sellassie to xetftrn to Abys^ sinia as a puppct sovereign. Sellassie has twice refused, emphasing that he will negotiate only through the League. Bitter experience has convineed Rome that only tho presence of Sellassie or a inember of his family can ensure tribal loyalty and discipline. The Abyssinians at present are in such constant revolt and wage such skilful guerilla warfare that no Italian life is safe. The rail journey from Addis Ababa to Jibuti is perilous. Ihe Italians are forced to live within barbed wife, and many Italian colonistshave revolted against the regime and others have fled to Kenya, Khartom# and British Somaliland. The feeding and clothing of 500,000 soldier colonists Is a problem apparently insoluble. In default of Sellassie 's return, Signor Mussolini realises he can establish himself in Abyssinia only with British help. He is, therefore, prepared to improve Anglo-Italian relations. Nevertheless, the Leagtie will not expel Abyssinia in September, Mr Eden having assnred Major Attlee, the Leader of the Opposition in the Hotise of Commons, to that effect.