PUPPET SOVEREIGNTY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 222, 19 August 1937, Page 9

PUPPET SOVEREIGNTY.

HAILE SELASSIE REFUSES,

ITALY’S DIFFICULTIES,

LONDON, Aug. 18,

The News Chronicle recalls that Signor Mussolini at least twice invited Haile Selassie to return to Abyssinia as a puppet sovereign, and Haile Selassie twice refused, emphasising that he will negotiate only through the League. Bitter experience has convinced Rome that only the presence of Haile Selassie or a member of his family can ensure tribal loyalty and discipline.

The Abyssinians are at present in such constant revolt and wage such skilful guerrilla warfare that no Italian life is safe. The rail journey from Addis Ababa to Djibouti is perilous, and the Italians are forced to live within barbed wire.

Many Italian colonists have revolted against the regime and others have lied to Kenya, Khartoum, and British Somaliland.

The feeding and clothing of half a million soldier-colonists is a problem apparently insoluble. In default of Haile Selassie’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 League certainly will not expel Abyssinia in September, the British Foreign Secretary (Mr 11. A. Eden) having assured the Leader of the Opposition (Mr C. R. Attlee) to that effect.