IN REVOLT

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20276, 19 August 1937, Page 9

IN REVOLT

UNREST IN ABYSSINIA. ITALY’S OFFER TO SELASSIE. A PUPPET SOVEREIGN. United Press Assn.—elec. Tel. CODyrlgtv. LOXDON, Aug. 18. The News Chronicle recalls the fact that Signor Mussolini on at least two occasions invited llaili Selassie to rej turn to Abyssinia as a puppet sover- ; eign. Selassie twice refused, emphas- - ising that he would negotiate only through the League of Nations. Bitter experience lias convinced Rome that only the presence of Selassie or a member of his family can ensure tribal loyalty and discipline. The Abyssinians are in such constant revolt and wage such skilful ! guerilla warfare that no Italian’s life is safe. The railway journey from Addis Ababa to Jibouti is perilous. Revolt Against Regime. Italians are forced to live within barbed wire enclosures, says the correspondent, and many colonists have revolted against the regime. Others have fled to Kenya, Khartoum or British Somaliland. The feeding and clothing of 500,000 soldier colonists is a problem apparently insoluble in default of Selassie’s return. Signor Mussolini realises that he can establish himself in Abyssinia only with British help. Therefore, he is prepared lo improve Anglo-Italian relations. Nevertheless, the League certainly will not expel Abyssinia in September. Mr. Eden. British Foreign Secretary, having assured Mr. G. R. Attlee, Leader of the Opposition, to that effect.