INVITED TO RETURN

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20986, 13 December 1939, Page 12

INVITED TO RETURN

EMPEROR OF ABYSSINIA ITALIAN ARMY HARASSED It is reported in London that Haile Selassie, “King of Kings,” has been receiving suggestions from Italy that he should return to Abyssinia to restore order in his “conquered” country. Many of the wild tribes have been getting out of hand, and, it is said, are harassing the Italian Army of Occupatipn. During the past month repeated attempts to sound the Negus have been made by Mussolini’s agents, but in the seclusion of his English country garden he keeps a poker face. It is understood he is considering for the first time a return to his country to control tribes who are harassing the Italian Army of Occupation. “His Imperial Majesty has from time to time —and recently—received suggestions that he should return to Abyssinia, but has so far found these suggestions unacceptable,” a member of his household said. Mussolini recently made another offer. Haile-Selassie was asked to return to the throne of his ancient kingdom, or failing that, whether he would consider placing his son in control. The only conditions, it is understood, are that there will be a small Italian “army of occupation” and that Italy will be allowed to develop to the full any national resources.