A MYSTERY MAN

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19892, 22 May 1936, Page 7

A MYSTERY MAN

DUM-DUM BULLETS. ALLEGATIONS AGAINST BRITAIN. WHO IS PEDRO LOPEZ ? United Press Also. —Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received May 22, 10.5 a.m.) LONDON, May 21. Official circles say that so many falsehoods are associated with the Pedro Lopez case that it is difficult to ascertain the truth of any statements made, including Lopez’s own reported assertion that he was born in Melbourne. Mr Anthony Eden stated in the House of Commons on Monday that Lopez was known variously as Burnstein, Lawrence. Singleton, Radbill and Mezler. He was a notorious purveyor of false information and forged documents. A man called Colonel Pedro Lopez was stated to have lodged orders with a British firm for the supply of dumdum bullets to the Abyssinian Government. AN INBULT TO BRITAIN. DEMAND FOR APOLOGY SUGGESTED QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENT. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright (Received May 22, 11.5 a.m.) LONDON, May 21. In the House of Commons Sir D. Somervell, in reply to Mr' W. Ga!lucher, said lie did not think that Lopez was connected with tlie dockyard sabotage. Mr Arthur Henderson asked whether legislation would lie introduced constituting activities similar to tiiose of Lopez an indictable offence. Sir I). Somervell: “I am considering Die matter from all aspects, but am unable lo make a statement.“ Mr F. S. Cocks asked whether Mr Eden would demand an apology from Signor Mussolini or sever diplomatic relations with Italy, in view of the relations of Meater with officials of the Italian Embassy in London. Viscount Crantoourne said lie was aware that Mr Eden’s statement had been ridiculed in tlie Italian-controlled press. He asked: “Is not there any limit to the insults we are to receive from a foreign power?” ORDERED TO WITHDRAW. BRITISH TROOPS IN ABYSSINIA. SAFETY OF FOREIGNERS ASSURED. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright LONDON, May 21.

The diplomatic correspondent of the Times says the Italian Government has intimated to the British Government that the time has come when the reinforcements added last autumn to the regular Indian guard of the British Legation at Addis Ababa should be withdrawn from Abyssinia.

Italy also has intimated to the French Government that the troops sent to protect French nationals and railway property at Diredawa should be withdrawn.

The Italian view as stated to both Governments is tiiat the Italian army of occupation, having established its authority, can answer for the safety of foreigners. Therefore, the main- 1 tenance of independent military precautions is no longer necessary. The Italian request is still under consideration in London and in Paris. The regular guard at the British Legation, consisting of one British officer and 20 Sikhs, was reinforced last September by a company of the Punjab Regiment under three British officers of the Indian Army, giving a total strength of 150. The Italian Government wants the withdrawal of the Punjab Company, but jdoes not object to the regular Sikh guard staying on. The French Government sent 150 troops to Diredawa in October. Apparently it is this force which Italy now wants withdrawn. MARBHAL BADOGLIO. RETURN TO ITALY. GRAZ IAN I TO SUCCEED HIM. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, May 20. The Asmara correspondent of the Exchange Telegraph Company says it is reported that Marshal Badoglio* will sail for Rome to-day and that Marshal Grazlani will succeed him, with the title of Regent. Marshal Badoglio’s son Mario Hew him to Asmara from Addis Ababa and he embarked on the hospital ship Ai’borea. Officially it is stated that he is only going on holiday leave, but it is strongly hinted that lie is not likelv to return except on a possible visit with Signor Mussolini or King Victor Emmanuel. BRITAIN AND ITALY. GOOD RELATIONS DESIRED. SAFEGUARDING OF INTERESTS. United Press Assn.— Elec. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, May 21. The diplomatic correspondent of Morning Post says he has the highest authority for stating tiiat Signor Mussolini is most anxious to continue on good terms with Britain and is prepared lo givo full guarantees that he will safeguard British Imperial interests. both in Africa and outside. The only condition attaching to II Duce's offer is, if not immediate recognition of. at leust non-interference with the Italian colonisation of Abyssinia. If Britian accepts this condition Italy is prepared to offer a solemn undertaking not to oppose British interests in Egypt and elsewhere. A message from Paris sa>s the newspaper L'lnformation iti - tl tl Signor Grandi, Italian Ambassador to

Britain, has been specially instructed regarding forthcoming explanations to the British Government, which, it is believed, will include a notification that Signor Mussolini is prepared to give his assurance that he does not seek to extend the Homan Empire in Northern Africa. As tangible proof of this he is willing to consider the removal of the white troops from Libya if Britain so desires. IN ADDIB ABABA. FASCIST SCHOOLS OPEN. V CHILDREN LEARN SALUTE. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. LONDON, May 21. A message from Addte Abaha states that Fascist schools were opened two days after the arrival of the Italians In the city. The children’s first lesson was to learn the. Fascist salute. Tii. schools ire open to all the Shoa children and other schools an- available for slav,- children. Those who arc sufferinc from hereditarj are bring burcgaled.