ABYSSINIAN CONQUEST.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20264, 5 August 1937, Page 11

ABYSSINIAN CONQUEST.

RECOGNITION OPPOSED. TERRIBLE ITALIAN ATROCITIES. NOTED THEOLOGIST'S REMARKS'. Referring to the proposal of the British Prime Minister, Mr Neville Chamberlain, to recognise the conquest of Abyssinia by the Italians in return for the latter’s evacuation of the Balearic Islands, Dr. C. J. Rolls, the noted theologist, remarked in his address in the Alexandra Hall last evening, that suoh an action would be a reflection on British administration and constitution. The speaker had been in Abyssinia, and alleged that terrible atrocities were committed by the Italians. During processions through the streets the natives were shot down on sight, and he estimated that In six weeks no less than 36,000 were killed in that manner. Italian airmen flew over the camps of the defenders, dropping bombs and, swooping down, riddled the occupants with machine gun bullets. Mustard gas had been used by the invaders, and in 16 weeks 1400 cases of persons affected by the gas were treated. There was nothing humane in the Italians’ dealings with the Abvssinians. If the deuision to use this means of attaok became general, then it was no use hoping for an Increase in population amongst the great Powers of the world. One dootor in Abyssinia told Dr. Rolls that the Italians were on one ocoasion carrying out one of their air raids, leaving the vanquished terribly mutilated on the field. He was the only medical man in the vicinity, and It was necessary to allow many of the woundod to be eaten by the hyenas. Those who were captured by the Italians were mercilessly treated. The atrocities committed by the Insurgents sinoe their invasion of the oountry were far worse than any carried out by the Abyssinians during the rule of the kings. Italian newspapers had published articles attacking the members of the League of Nations for supplying arms to Abyssinia, and Britain in particular, for issuing rifles to the defenders. This was all propaganda. Dr. Rolls said he would challenge anybody to find a dozen English rifles in Abyssinia. In a few years, the speaker stated, people would be saying that the crime committed in Abyssinia could not have taken place while the League of Nations was In existence, but such things were soon forgotten.