FASCIST POLICY.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19903, 4 June 1936, Page 6

FASCIST POLICY.

Signor Mussolini is said to be anxious to revive friendship between Italy and Britain, and the latest messages state that the. rea‘son is the pending discussion of Abyssinian affairs at Geneva. It is expected that the British delegation will have to give the nations 2. lead with respect to sanctions and a decision favourable to Italian aims would be possible if it had strong British support. A continuance of sanctions would probably mean the withdrawal of Italy from the League of Nations, and while the defection of a European Power would be a. blow to that organisation it would, at the same time, isolate Italy. The nations might not have any very great objection to the continuance of sanctions against a. non-member, and that would place a great barrier in the way of the restoration of Italian trade. The only markets open are limited, and the States said to be keeping in close touch with the Fascist Government, Austria and Hungary, are not strong in a military sense.

The importance of the decision of the British Cabinet is apparent. The smaller States contend that if aggression such as that witnessed in Ahyssinin is condoned then their independence is menaeed. That will carry weight but the decisive factor probably will be public opinion at Home. The storm that sent Sir Samuel Hoare into retirement showed that the attachment of the people to the collective system is deep-rooted, and his successor has again and again stressed his adherence to the Covenant of the League. Failure to secure recognition of her conquests may make Italy determined to quit the League, but that would not secure release from the pressure of snnctinns, and many influential people at Home have advocated strongly the retention of the economic weapon. Important, if not vital, decisions are pending and in the week or two remaining the Fascists are manoeuvring for positions that will serve their purpose. Perhaps the most significant statement in recent cables was that “there have been no signs from London of any change in the Gov—ernment’s policy.” If that proves to be correct then Italy must fight the issue at Geneva, Without any strong support or resign and incur the risks of isolation.