A LITTLE PROBLEM

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19892, 22 May 1936, Page 6

A LITTLE PROBLEM

There may be no law on the subject, but long established custom has ensured for the embassies and legations of foreign countries a diplomatic immunity that is strictly observed. When the United States enforced prohibition it was stated that foreign embassies at Washington would not be affected. They could import whatever alcoholic liquors they wished. On occasion, in order to overcome this diplomatic immunity, a nation has broken off relations with some other State. Great Britain, for instance, once severed relations with Soviet Russia in order that the activities of some of the Russian staff in promoting the cause of Communism might be stopped. There may be a little difficulty in dealing with the British legation at Addis Ababa. The Minister, Sir Sidney Barton, occupies a large place some little distance from the capital and there is a military guard composed of Indian troops. This force did good work in rescuing foreigners when looters took charge of the capital, and apparently no Italian forces have yet been allowed to enter the legation. Civilians have been ordered to leave Abyssinia, but the summary methods adopted regarding them and their belongings, cannot be used when the diplomatic representative of a Power remains in possession of a property to all intents and purposes owned by the British Government. His withdrawal would certainly be welcomed by the Italians, but as Great Britain still recognises the Emperor of Ethiopia, and her delegates confer with the Abyssinian representative at Geneva the question of retiring from Addis Ababa may’, itself, prove a little difficult. In the meantime, apparently, the British Minister remains in residence.