CONSTERNATION CAUSED DEMILITARISED
IN GENEVA -
Italian Demands Obstruct Peace Prospects
"Hong Kong Daily Press" Special)
Geneva, April 17.
The severity of the Italian conditions for opening peace negotiations has created an unfavourable impression here and has caused consternation. It is stressed that in these circum- stances there can be no question of peace negotiations being conducted within the framework of the League of Nations and in the spirit of the Covenant, The Committee of Thirteen, which is to assemble on Friday afternoon, will have to decide whether there is still any hope for reaching an understanding with Italy, The consensus af opinion appears to be that there is no possí~ · bility whatsoever for further mediation since the situation has been entirely cleared up by the Italian demands and their un- conditional rejection by the Abyssinian delegate.
The position of the French delegate, M.- Paul Boncoar, has become somewhat difficult in consequence of the far-reaching Italian claims. It is considered likely that he will undertakę a final attempt to Induce Signor Mussolini to make a concession In- sofar as to consent to the Italian, peace negotiations being com- municated not only to the Negus but also to the League of Nations and to the League being kept posted regarding developments of the peace negotiations. It appears somewhat problematical whe- ther such concessions will be considered quite sufficient by a ma- « jority of the delegates,
British circles insist that the diplomat, and Senor de Madarta- ga discussed the situation. Senor
sanctions will not be raised before the cessation of hostilities.
They,
moreover, continue to
point out that according to trade statistics the present sanctions are resulting in ever increasing diffi- cuities for Italy's entire economic life and that they are bound to have a potential influence on the final settlement if they are con- tinued and possibly intensified. Trunnerau Nepa ServiTA.
SUCCESS OR FAILURE
de Madariaga reported on the con- M. Joseph Avenot had had with the Italian envoy.
versations he and
PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS
to Italy's principal conditions peace negotiations were that the League should not be in any way associated with the conversations and that terms of the peace would not
communicated ta the League, but only between Italy and
be
Ethiopia. London. April 17.
It is expected that the meeting of the Committee of Thirteen con- vened for four c'clock this after. noon will decide whether or not there is still hope of bringing to- gether the parties to the Italo- Abyssinian dispute and the success or fallure of the recent efforts will be put on record.
Another condition was that Italy would not grant an armistice. These were later amended slightly.
Senor de Madariaga again met the Italian delegation this after- noon in order to have as full a re- port as possible to submit to the Committee, of Thirteen,
As soon as it was learned that Ethiopia had rejected the Italian peace conditions, Senor de Madaraga said he would appeal to Baron Aloisi to modify the Italian
I attempts at conciliation are found to have failed, a report must be made to the Committee of Eighteen. which is the Sanctions Committee of the Leagite, but so far no arrangements have been Baron Alois then discussed the made for a meeting of that Com-situation with' Rome." mittee.
ETHIOPIA RELUCTÄNT
terms. He did so.
B
HONG "ONG DAILY
PRESS. SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 1936.
"Times" Suggestion Recalled
SHIPMENTS OF ARTILLERY
Reinforcements On Large Scale
AZANA MAKES STATEMENT
ZONES
Hong Kong Daily Press" Special) ("Hong Kong Daily Press" Special)
Berlin, Apr. 17.
Of extreme interest at the pre-
sent moment is that fact that the
"Times" in London as far back a5
"J
Rome, April 17. Italian reinforcements on a large scale, especially heavy artillery. continue to be shipped uncensing- 1930 advocated the creation of a ly to North-East Africa, many demilitarised zone on the French ships having sailed in the past few side of the Franco-German fron-days.
tier, AS essential for ensuring On Thursday the steamers Prin- European peace.
cipessa Giovanna and Atlanta left In the article in question the Naples, the former having more "Times" points out that the de- than 1,000 and the latter over 900 cided disparity of French and Ger- | artillery men aboard as well as the man armaments could not hat for requisite number of runs and ever. This could only be removed other equipment. by drastic disarmament on one şide or rearmament on the other, Elher France would have to agree to demilitarise a zone, or Germany would have to be allowed to fortify the Rhineland, and hold manoeuvres there.
The establishment of such a de- militarised zone on both sides of the frontier, the article continues, would be of immense benefit for the whole of Europe as then the outbreak of hostlities would be rendered more difficult.
In conclusion it was stated that the solution of the question would have to be found in the next few years, towards finding which Bri- tish Influence would be of great value.-
Transocean News Service.
LEAGUE TO BE IGNORED
Italian Terms For Armistice
("Hong Kong Dally Press" Special)
Geneva, April 16. Italy's conditions for concluding the armistice negotiations are said to be the following:
(1) The peace negotiations must be conducted outside Geneva, the League only belag informed of the progress, Ouchy near Lausanne be- ing mentioned as the likely place.
(2) The negotiations are, to take SLIGHT MODIFICATION place only between the two bel-
A little later it
lizerents. was disclosed that as a result of the interven
"(3) The arrangement for tion of Senor de Madariaga. Baron armistice is to be made direct be- the Negus and Marshal
of the Italian terms.
tween
the League would dered a purely military one,
Several batteries of heavy artil- lery are also stated to have been embarked at Trieste and other ports..
"
These consignments of heavy artillery have attracted all the more attention here since such material has hitherto "not been employed in the Abyssinian war and political circles belleve that the consignments are destined for the defence of ports in the Italian colonies where the garrison have also been considerably strengthen- ed
{
Tranxorran News Service
CAMPAIGN INTENSIFIED
Rome, April 17.
...
A further two thousand soldiers and labourers salled from Naples for East Afrtes to-day, which in- dicates the Government intends Intensifying the campaign in. Abyssinia and are sending more men for this purpose. *
The Air Force in Africa is also nerding men and the Government has decreed that the Air Ministry be allowed to recruit pupil ser- geants for the Air Force.
Marshal Badoglio reports that the Abyssinian tribal chiefs, soldiers and peasants around Desale marched into the city and submitted to the Italian author!- ties.-
Beuter's Bulletin Service.
SILVER MARKET
(From Our Own Correspondent)
London. April 17.
London Sliver prices to-day
Attitude Towards League
Madrid, Apr. 10, The Spanish Premier, Senor Azura, speaking at A Cabinet garding the international altua- meeting, made a declaration re-
her obligations to the League tion, stating that Spain would ful-.
of Nations if other nations did the same."
evcn
Senor Azaña added that the Cabinet's chief occupation at pre- sent would be to deal with unem- ployment and the financial stabi- lity of the country, which might mean strict economy and privation for some time.
The Premier appealed to Spant- anid: ards for co-operation, and
Cur new Government to not form- ed to preside over civil wars; it is time Spaniards stopped shooting one another and to submit to law
and order."
COMMUNIST DISORDERS IN MADRID
Shots Fired At Funeral Procession
("Hong Kong Daily Press" Specia:)
Madrid, April 17,
Over 800 shots were exchanged in desperate street fighting which took place here..on Thursday at the funeral of the police officer who was shot by Commanists at the 5th anniversary of the foundation of the Spanish Republic. As the funeral cortege wäs passing under a building in process of construction in the centre o the city, shots were fired from the scaffolding.
The accompanying police retuned the shots and a continuous rattle of revolver shots followed. When the funeral passed on the shooting died down, but began again and again in various parts of the city. About 50 were injured, some so seriously that recovers is doubted. Among the mourners who came under fire one was an ex-minister.
Premier Azana, speaking in Par- tiament on Thursday, said that the Government was determined to protect the administration in the present form and not yield to any other form of regime,
It is stated that three more per- sons have been killed and many
Speaking of the shootings which injured in further political distur-had taken place at various times,
bances.---
Hester's Bulletin Servier,
RANPURA NOW REFLOATED
Three Days' Toil Rewarded
Gibraltar, April 18. The P. and O. Iiner Ranpara, with £10,000,000 of Chinese art treasures aboard, was refloated to- day after a period of suspense while she lay hard shore at the north- west end of Gibraltar Bay.
Her heavier cargo and 1,000 tons of fuel oll were taken off the ship earlier by a dockyard tanker, but in spite of this lightening of her weight she was still fast during the afternoon.
The weather had improved dur- ing the morning, but later in the day a fresh west-north-west wind blew up, hampering the laying out of heavy kedze "anchors, fore and aft
4
Salvage efforts were continued.
Interior, Señor Don Amos Salvador, is stated to be in fl-health and therefore pot equal to the present extraordinarily difficult task- Transocean News Service.
GENERAL STRIKE
Madrid, Apr. 17. Further disturbances occurred in Azana declared that these had
the city yesterday culminating in been deliberately arranged by ena Lightning general strike this emies of the Repubic. Including morning. One version "of yester the deplorable incident when the day's disturbance stated that at the funeral of the police officer on funeral of a rioter who was shot Thursday was shot at
by the polite in the riot on Tues- Iranancean News Service.
day last, large crowds taunted the LARGE SCALE ARRESTS police who were forced to fire into
them.
Madrid, Apr. 17. Two hundred and forty-four dr- rests have been made here in con- nection with the grave disorders which took place on Thursday at the funeral of a police official who had been shot by Communists. In the course of the disorders three persons were killed and several wounded.
Another versjon stated that snip- ers fred into the funeral processioni- and the police fired in reply. The casualties are reported to be three killed and twenty-nine wounded.
The Communist Party and Labour Unions thereupon decledd a gen- eral strike as a protest against the firing by the police No trainc. Those arrested Include 170 mem- trams or buses are bers of the Fascist Party as well morning and all shops are closed. running this
as 74 workers who were employed The strike, however, is not regard- on a building under constructioned as serious and it is alpected will from which the shots were Ared on last twenty-four hours. Later in the funeral cortege.
the day the authorities managed to
The Marxist Trade Unions pub-run trains. lish a statement protesting against the "Fascist provocations" and an- nouncing that the workers will re- sort to measures in self-defence the Governmerit should fail to take severe action against the "Fascist trouble makers."
POLICE CHIEF RESIGNS The Director General of the
DRASTIC MEASURES Senor Azaria, the Premier in
that in consequence of the distur Spain, stated in the Cortes to-day
bances in many parts of the coun- try he will submit to the Cortes shortly a hill to end the disturban-- ces by giving the Government pow- ers to use drastic measures in this
were 5/16 up for "Spat" and 3/8 } however, and Anally the ship was Spanish police has handed in his connection. The Premier was en-
an
for "Forward" as foüow:-
April 10 .20-7/16 .20-7/16
April 17 refoated after three days of al-resignation
most constant struggler, 20-3/4
Houter 20-13/16
ABYSSINIAN REPORT OF SKIRMISH
Capture Of Lorries And
A meeting took place this morn ing between the Abyssinian dele- gate, M. Wolde Mariam and Senor Aloisi had agreed to slight modi-Badoglio, as the matter is const- Forward
Spot........ de Madariaga, Chairman of the fication Committee of Thirteen, and the whereby
be Secretary General of the League, allowed to have an observer at the M. Avenol, in the course of which Italo-Ethiopian peace parleys. Or, it is stated the Abyssinian repre- if no observer was permitted to sentative was informed of sight be present, the League would at modification of Italy's proposals. least be kept informed. It is stated M. Mariam did not As a last resort it was decided to give a final reply, but was as re-refer the altered conditions to the luctant as yesterday to consent to Ethiopian delegation, but from the direct negotiations with Italy out tone of the first Ethiopian note it side the scope of the League. is expected that the slightly modi- fled Italian demands, will be re- Jacted.
The Committee of Thirteen, which has now adjourned until 4
POISON GAS REFORTS
The French delegate. M. Paul Boncour. had a conversation with Baron Aloisi this morning and later visited the British Foreign with the necessity of recording Secretary, Mr. Anthony Eden.
that conciliation has failed, which The commission of three experts will almost certainly involve the
teen
VICTOR AND VANGUISHED
It is Signor 'Mussolini's deter- mination not to enter into a dis- cussion on this programme, as Baron Aloisi has said, this pro- gramme could only be accepted or declined. This "take it or leave. it" attitude is calculated to in- crease the tension and uncertainty. already existing, especially since these demands completely omit to take note of the preliminary form of the Committee of Thirteen, that the negotiations take place within the framework of the
mittee of Thirteen was postponed a short time upon this news, in order to give the delegates an op-
War Material
("Bong Kong Dai y Press" Specia)
Addis Ababa, Apr. 17. The Abyssinian Supreme Com- mand in the south reports that on April @the Abyssinians came into violent collision with strong Italian
when the Italians were repulsed, leaving 321 white officers and sold- lers and 19 Somalis dead on the feld.
pm. to-morrow, will then be faced League. The session of the Com-detachments north of Neghelli,
set up by the Committee of Thir-convocation of the Committee of portunity to telephone their Gov-
commenced its work this Eighteen to consider new penalties ements for instruction. morning in examining the docu-against Italy or one last effort to France will make no opposition Generally it is thought that ments submitted to it regarding effect a compromise. use of poison gas by Italy.-
worthwhile, while conjecture and Birdtune Wireless,
ETHIOPIAN NOTE
speculation is rife as to the at- the remaining twelve The Ethiopian note which was titude of handed to the Committee of Thir-members of the Committee, es- Geneva, April 16.
teen, in answer to the Italian pecially England It is understood that Baron statement of peace conditions, asks In British circles it is freely Aloist the Italian Government's the League to note Italy's refusal stressed that the Banctions Com- envoy, has informed Senor Salva- to negotiate within the framework mittee of Eighteen must be con- dor de Madariaga, chairman of the of the League Covenant and invened immediately, "and be advised Committee of Thirteen, that Italy the spirit of the League.
to demand the closure of the Suez is prepared to negotiate peace on The note declares that, as a con- | Canal- condition that the negotiations sequence, the time has come to mneneran "News Service take place directly between Italy apply to the aggressor all the
XVI of the Covenant and thus ful-
and Ethiopia, as between victor sanctions provided under Article and vanquished. Italy declines to allow the League of Nations to participate, though that body might have an observer present
Baron Alciat also stated that Italy was willing to negotiate an armistice, but only on the same conditions.
The meeting of the Committee of Thirteen was consequently post poned until
"DIRECT": NEGOTIATIONS
Geneva, April 16.
to the
The Abyssinians captured six lorries full of ammunition and one lurry with 12 machine guns. The Abyssinian losses were 17 dead and 25 wounded, this small number be- ing due
fact that the Italians were taken completely by surprise..
ransocean News Serance.
BRITISH TRANSPORT
STATISTICS
London, April 17.,
A return issued by the Ministry of Transport shows that the gross
SHORT DELAY
Gibraltar, April 16. The Ranpura is not expected to be delayed over a day. There are no signs of leakage, and it is prob- able that the divers' examination will confirm that no damage has been done to the hull of the vessel. The refcating operations were conducted entirely by the naval authorities. Three hundred tons of cargo had previously been re- moved.
SAFELY ANCHORED
ofthusiatically cheered by other mem--
fre consequence Thursday's occurrences.
The Minister for Works, Senor Cesar Quiroga, has been temporarily placed in charge of the Home Ministry since the Minister for the
SPANISH PARLIAMENT
UPROAR
Threat To Shoot Leader Of Catholic Party
hi
bers of the Government and the majority of the press supported him in his endeavour to suppress the political disorders and rioting. Reuter's Bulletin Service.
TWO DESTROYERS FOR GREECE
Preliminary Order With British Firm
("Hong Kong Dally Press" Special)
Athens, Apr. 17, A preliminary order for two des- trovers valued at 1.2 millian pounds. has been placed by the Greek Naval Minister with a British ship--.. building firm. The confirmation ef? the order depends on agreement: on the terms of payment. The: Greek Government wants a credit of 17 years, while the British firm: expects payment within five years...
Lord, Craigmyle, father of the] ("Hong Kong Daily Press” Special! Chairman of the P. and 0. Com-
Madrid, Apr. 16. pany, who is staying" at a Gibral- After £ tar hotel, was an interested obser- duration, the proceedings in the debate of all night
ver of the refloating operations- Spanish Cortes culminated in in uproar. The Government pro- clamation had been debated upon, and the zerves of the Deputies seemed to have been shattered. The climax came the moment when the Communist Leader Diaz ad- dressed the leader of the Catholic Peoples Party and told him he Transocean News Service. would be put up against the wall and shot when the Spanish Soviet Republic was established
odr
Gibraltar. Apr. 17. The Rampura is now safely an- chored near the North Mole. posite the Admiralty Harbour,
Passengers for the Far East to- night embarked aboard the Duma- la which will steam direct to Port Said to make up for lost time.
The Chinese art treasures Are untouched.
The chief difficulty in freeing the vessel arose from the fact that there was eighteen inches of differ- ence between high and low tides. when the tugs made their motina
OLYMPIC GAMES
After a session of nearly two amount received in payment or exorts to release the liner lasting each other mutual encourage-let Labour, President of the Inter
All the obligations undertaken by hours, the Committee of Thirteen all the League member states.
adjourned till 4 pm. on Friday These obligations include
the The greatest secrecy is maintained rule that all member states shall to the progress of the negotia- immediately come to the aid of the tione victim of aggression.
Baron: Alisi was asked to wx-
Ethiopia, says the note, declines plain several points of the Italian to believe that it will be deprived proposals, for instance, what Italy of the protection of the League understood by "direct" negotia-
6 o'clock to-night. and the League'a high principles attions. This decision was taken after a this supreme moment when the A brief Communique issued by luncheon at which Mr. Anthony Ethiopian people are threatened the League Secretariat states that Eden, the British Foreign Becret with extermination.- ary, M. Paul Boncour, the French Reuter,
RETAIL PRICE LEVELS IN BRITAIN
London, Apr 17.
On April 1 'the average level of retail prices in Britain was ap proximately 44 per cent. above the level of July 1014 as compared with
MELROSE ON FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA
London, April 17. Mr. C. J. Melrose, young Aus- tralian airman, who engaged on a flight to Australia in a new
46 per cent, on February 29, 1936 | machine, left Calcutta shortly
and 39 per cent, on April 1, 1935 British Wiralen.
after noon for Rangoon
British Wordless.
the Committee heard the report on the conversations held with re- presentatives of the two belliger- ents by its President, Senor Mada riaga. The Committee had thought {1: advisable for the President to communicate the outcome of the recent conversation with the Ita?- fan to the Abyssin'an delegate- "ransocean New Service.
Reuter
licences for road vehicles issued night she came off eastly on the during the three months ended second pull- February 29 was £20.018420. In the corresponding period last year the amount was £18,803,957.
During the month of February 32,854 mechanically propelled road vehicles were registered for the first time. In February last year the figure was 27,470.— British Wire'eu.
ment issued here on Thursday evening.
"The conversations are concem- ed with the procedure and have a preliminary character. All parties have pledged themselves to the strictest secrecy and until now. nothing has leaked out.
"The rumour circulating con- cerning plans for conciliation and reorganisation in connection with the general political situation are bure products of the phántasy, and herewith categorically denied." Ject of the following official state- | Transocean Neue Service.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Rome, April 16. ‚ Baron Aloisi's conversations with Geneva Statesmen were the sub
ነነ
READY TO SAIL
Gibraltar, Apr. 17. The Ranpura is expected to sail this afternoon. The vesse, le being surveyed by a surveyor of Lloyd's Register who has so far found not trace of damage.—— Teuter.
OVERLAND EXPRESS TO MARSEILLES
All right wing deputies rose as one man and demanded expulsion- of the Communists from the Chamber. The left wingers ap- plauded frantically, most specta tors Joining. Indescribable arose, the left wing deputies giv-
din!
ment to further outbursts,
Finally a Socialist Deputy e proached the House for not
re presenting the revolutionary apirit of the masses strong enough. The Cortes sendon was thereupon ad- journed till Thursday-- Transocean News Servisn.
NEW AIRSHIP ALREADY
FULLY BOOKED
(Hong Kong Daily Presa" Special)
: London, Apr, 17. All foreign representatives of London, April 17. German shipping firms had to The P. & D. Company announce answer countless questions about that the weekly overland express | the new German giant Zeppelin, to Marseilles will depart from General Field Marshal von Hinden- Victoria Station to-morrow and burg. It is now learned that all take the passengers alongside the available cablas on the airship for Ranpura to Marelles on Sunday. Ita arst trip from Frankfort-on
A hundred passengers have been Main to Lakehurst have been sold booked by the express Beuler.
out.
Frangotsan Nowa - Bervice.
President's Statement On Change Of Venue
"Hong Kong Daily Press" Special
New York, ADE. VI. On his way to Japan, Count Bail-
national Olympic Committee, when asked whether the Olympic Games could not take place at Loer Angeles or some other place ex- cept Berlin, because of the Euro pean altuation, answered: "I was broke out, the Olympic Games would not be held at all. Only the actual outbreak of war can ́there-. fore prevent the holding of the Olympic Games at Berlin- Transocean News Service.
FRENCH ADHERENCE TO WORLD COURT
Hong Kong Daily Press" Specia
Paris, Apr. 17. The French delegation to the League of Nations has informed. the Secretary General that the French Government prolongs ta membership to the permanent In- ternational Court of Justice at The Hague for another five years ransocean News Servier, G