“THE LAW OF THE JUNGLE”

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20497, 13 May 1938, Page 7

“THE LAW OF THE JUNGLE”

CRITICISM OF THE LEAGUE MR W. JORDAN'S OUTSPOKEN COMMENT NEW ZEALAND WILL NOT SUPPORT BRITAIN (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received May 13, 11.10 a.m.) GENEVA, March 12 Mr W. Jordan, High Commissioner for New Zealand, speaking in the Abyssinian debate at the meeting of the League Council, vigorously opposed Viscount Halifax. He said: “This return to the laws of the jungle was a direct denial of the principles of the League of Nations and another retreat from the principle of collective security. “New Zealand stands by non-recognition of the resolution, and still considers it most necessary that the Covenant remain in force. “She deplores anything weakening it. There is no justification for granting individual states a choice on this question.” Dr. Wellington Koo deprecated force in the settlement of an international crisis. China did not subscribe to Britain’s proposals. M. Commen (Rumania) on behalf of the Little Entente, supported England and France. After an adjournment the delegates agreed that the debate was one of the saddest in the history of the League. The League President, in declaring the debate closed, said the majority of the Council favoured the British viewpoint. No resolution was submitted.

DRAMATIC ANNOUNCEMENT ABYSSINIA AND THE LEAGUE THE ATTITUDE OF BRITAIN United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright GENEVA, May 12 Thero was dead silence In the Council of the League of Nations as the President of the Council announoed: “Haill Selassie has expressed the wish to participate in the discussion. It has always been the desire of the Council that Ethiopia should participate, irrespective of the question of principle. I therefore invite the Emperor to sit at the Council table.” The Mg bronze doors were flung open and Halil Selassie, accompanied by two Ethiopian delegates, gravely entered. As the ex-Emperor took his seat Viscount Halifax, the British Foreign Secretary, rose to speak. He rejected the contention that Italy does not control Abyssinia, and said members of the League must decide for themselves whether to recognise the Italian conquest. Danger of War Italy could only be driven out of Abyssinia by war, said Lord Halifax. Britain’s information was that Italy controlled virtually all the- former territory of Ethiopia. Resistance was continuing in certain parts, but there was no organised native authority and no central native administration with the slightest possible chance of reconquering the country. J The Italian position was only alterable by concerted military action, which was unthinkable, and would not be suggested by any responsible person in any country. “I realise that, many people in Britain and perhaps elsewhere feel that any action to facilitate the recognition of the Italian conquest impinges upon a principle,” Lord Halifax continued. "I respect, but I do not share, tlieir view.” The British Government, however, did not suggest that the Council or any member of the League should condone the action by which Italy acquired her present position in Ethiopia, and did not propose the League should modify the resolutions and the decisions it took at an earlier stage of the dispute. In Plain Terms “We declared our judgment on this issue in plain terms, and we cannot go back on it,” said Lord Halifax. “Those who seek to establish a better world on the basis of League principles are rightly reluctant to countenance action by which the principles of the Covenant are infringed. Indeed, the. Assembly of 1'.i32 bound itself not to recognise any situation, treaty or agreement effected by means contrary to the covenant.. “But when two ideals conflict, one t of devotion unflinching hut unpractical, and the other of practical victories for peace. I do not doubt the strongest. claim is that of peace. “Britain's considered opinion is that unless she is prepared forever to live in an unreal world, the. fact of the Italian conquest of Abyssinia, whatever our judgment upon it. will have to be acknowledged. “Britain does not approve of the Italian methods In Abyssinia, but no purpose will be served by vain lamentations over the past.”

NEGUS AT GENEVA A TRAGIC FIGURE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) GENEVA, May 11 Looking a tragic irgure, with hands folded over a black cape, Haili Selassie brightened up and smiled on seeing a cheering crowd at the station. A few Italians present commented: “What a comedy.” The Emperor seemed puzzled and scratched his head. A representative, Mr Tafzas, explained the situation at the League, after which Haili Selassie drove to his hotel, saw a doctor, and went to bed tired outViscount Halifax will open the debate on Ethiopia to-morrow. He has supplied Haili Selassie with a copy ol' his speech. Members of the council received a letter from Haili Selassie claiming that Ethiopia was not conquered. FRENCH CRITICISM

TACTICS AT GENEVA LEAGUE USELESS AND DANGEROUS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) PARIS, May 12 The French press is critical of the tactics at GenevaThe newspaper Figaro asks, “Why has Haili Selassie come, If not to embarrass Lord Halifax and M. Bonnet? Geneva to-day Is not only a useless organ, but a dangerous one where internal policies subversively combine to paralyse diplomacy.” HOMAGE TO ITALY ABYSSINIAN'S IN ROME BENEFITS OF RULE EXTOLLED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. copyright) ROME, May 12. j Fifty chiefs and notables in striking native garb, representing the Italian I Empire in Libya. Somaliland and AbysI sinia, paid homage to King Victor Emmanuel and Signor Mussolini. The Abyssinian leaders extolled the benefits of Italian rule. ITALY NOT ALARMED CONFIDENT OF RECOGNITION United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. copyright ROME, May 11 The Press says the admission of the Negus to the council table need not be taken tragically. It expresses confidence that Britain and France will see that recognition is decided upon.