1935-09-02 — Page 9

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OIL CONCESSION IN ABYSSINIA

Sensational Move By The Emperor

With the meeting of the League Connell close at hand and war in Abyulnia imminent in the course of a few weeks, a gen- sation tras been created by the report of a 25-year concession granted by Ethiopia to an Anglo-American company for the do-. velopment of oil and mineral resources in Abyssinia.

Statements have been issued by both the British and American Governments, and white Italian official circles are awaiting" fuller details of the reparted concession, the Rome papers have renewed their attack.

"

This move by, the Ethiopian Emperor is interpreted as an effort to enlist the aid of others in the coming conflict with Italy.

London, Aug. 31. | Washington, who refused to com-

It is learned, in official quarters ment.- that the British Government haventer. na information in regard to the reported concession granted by the Ethiopian Government te an

A GREAT DEAL "One of the great deals 'in Elstory," jubliantly stated one of Anglo-American consortium, also Mr. Rickett's closest connections that neither official nor unofficialnan exclusive interview with support has been given thereto by Router, but he refused to lift the the Government which has re-mystery surrounding the prin- peatedly stated that they have no Imperial of economic interests in Abyssinia except Lake Tsana,

The Government have asked the British Minister at Addis Ababa to make full enquiries into the matter,

1]

17

cipals behind the transaction.

Despite the Addis Ababa reports

that the concession' was granted" to an American group, some circles assume that there is considerable British participation, while others suggest that the African Exploita tion and Development Corporation, who hold the concession and are reg'stered at Delaware, may later offer participation to other oll interests.

The British Foreign Office has Issued the following communique: “His Majesty's Government have 80 far received no confirmation of the report in to-day's press of grant of concessions in oll and mineral rights in Abyssinia, but City, in Iraq, Egypt and Abyssinia, have felt it necessary to inform, but is not identified with any the British Minister at Addis particular oil group, `which made.

•

S

Mr. Rickett is well-known in the

Ababa that such concessions would him the most suitable negotiator. undoubtedly be a matter for pre- It is recalled that Mr. Rickett liminary consultations by the played A prominent part In Brit'sh Government

with

the securing the concession for the French and Italian Governments British Oil Development Co. in under Article 2 of the Tripartite Iraq. Treaty of 1908.

"In these circumstances Sir Sidney Barton has been authoris- ed, if the report is true, to inform the Emperor that the British Government must, for their part. advise him to withhold the con- Cessions."- Renter...

MR. HULL'S STATEMENT

Washington, Aug. 31.

He is married and has three children, twin boys and one girl. He is well known in Crubland, be longing inter alla to the Travellers and Royal Thames Clubs—

euter,

U.S. OPINIONS

Washington, Aug. 31. ' Pendingoffietal confirmation from Addis Ababa, officials of the State Department decline to com- ment on the reported Angio- Mr. Cordell Hull. US. Secretary American off deal, but a number of State, in a statement to news- papermen, discounted any possi-

of Congressmen are amazed and bility of the United States Gov-aunoyed at big business's apparent crnment becoming involved in the

disregard of the will of the coun- as expressed by the Neutrality

Italo-Ethiopian controversy through

oll concessions,

It has not been the practice of American concerns to consult the State Department before negotiat- ing such transactions abroad. "The Government does not un- dertake to follow its nationals around the world and advise them what they should or should not do matters of business. Private transactions are ordinarily not the

concern of the Government," said Mr. Hull Reuter...

BIL

citizens have purchased an inter- The fact that United States

est in the war will not change the country's policy neutrality, comments Benator Borah.

10

Experienced international ob servers feel that there is no rea-

United States in the present crisis, son for the deal to involve the while the man-in-the-street frank- ly admires Haile Selassie's astute- ness. He's a smart guy, and has dealt a shrewd blow at Mussolini," 15 "a typical comment.

Reuter.

REACTION IN ITALY

ASTUTE MOVE BY NEGUS,

President Roosevelt has not yet Paris, Aug. 31.

signed the Neutrality B. No In the course of a despatch reason, is forthcoming for the conarming the signature of a delay. concession to an American com- pany," the Add's Ababa corres- pondent of the "Paris Soir" says that the Negus has undoubtedly sought to place himself under- economic protectorate of Anglo- Saxon countries with a view to: obtaining their support It is be- lleved

at "Addis Ababa that Ethiopia will no longer have to face Italy alone Reuter,

ון

AMERICAN VIEWS

Addis Ababa, Aug. 31. American, circles here do not consider that the concession can affect the course of the Italo- Abyssinian dispute. Reuter,

Indignant Comment By The Press

Tele

(8posial to "Hong Kona Daily Press") (By Telegraph, Copyright, prophto Messages · Ordinance, 129. Beceived, September 1. 4.30 am,)

Rome Aug 31,

After the mid-day press, dazed by and hardly crediting the news of the 75-year Anglo-American concession in Abyssinia, had only printed a brief report retraining from any comment, the evening

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 1935.

Mir. J. A Lyons, Premier of | Australia, deplores the reports in the newspapers that instructions have been sent to the Australian delegate to oppose the impositions of sanctions against Italy,

Spot

KING AND MUSSOLINI

REVIEW TROOPS

Discipline and Endurance Praised

Rome, August 31.

An "imposing "review of all troops which participated in the Italian manoeuvres, was held at Bolzano on Saturday by the King of Italy and Signor Mussolini. After the King had pasS- ed. In front of the regiments in a motor car, Il Duce expressed "In "the" "sovereign's and his own name an appreciation for the discipline and endurance shown by the officers and men in 'the' course of the manoeuvres.

On previous occasions, he then declared, the reservists had. always been demobilised on the conclusion of the manOBUVTĖS but this year they would be retained under the colours,Not only that, but in September a further, 200.000 men would be called up so that the Italian forces would attain" the intended ̈igure of 1,000,000 men under arms,

"The world must realise" exclaimed Mussolini, “ that if the foolish and provocative talk about sanctions continues, Raly will not dispense with a single soldier, sailor or airman, but being - her forces up to- the highest possible "effective", strength,”...... Transocean Kuo Min.

it

SILVER MARKET -

(From Our Own Correspondent) London, August 31.

NAVAL MANOEUVRES London silver prices to-day were

Bolzano, Aug. 31. unchanged as follow:-

Aug. 30

There are rumours that Italy Aug. 31 29.

intends to hold large scale naval 29

28-13/16 manoeuvres in the Mediterranean Forward .....28-13/16

London on New York cross-rate In view of the possibility of a 4.9656 threat to close the Suez Canal, but closing to-day compared with 4.9675. at closing official quarters decline to com- yesterday.

ment on the ground that the sobject will comes within the measures on which the military author'ties have imposed secrecy some time ago,

at

buna"

Was

'BLOW TO ITALY Under the heading "Its oll—not the League of Nations" the Tri- asserts that the so-called Anglo-American concession holders are more British than American, If not entirely British, and stated that Mr. Anthony Eden's proposal to give Port Zella to Abyssinia is now revealed In a new instructive light

It is possible that the matter was discussed during the inter- views which Signor Mussolini held. yesterday with the Under-Secre taries of Marine and Air Reuter.

i.

· MALTA DEFENCE

Malta, Aug. 31. A boom for defence will be laid across the entrance to Malta on

The paper also takes the stand-September 3- point that the concession constit-Restor

utes a severe infringement of Bri- tain's international. obligations even though tha agreement is signed by representatives of a pri- vate company, which however, as- serts the "Tribuna" would not "be so stupid as to negotiate an econo- mic concession in a country which will soon be the scene of a war if it could not reckon with the support of a powerful government behind it. The conclusion of a treaty at this juncture represents not only a blow against Italian interests but a blow, in Italy's back on the part of the Negus and Bri.

tain

DAVED AND GOLIATH

1!

Addis Ababa, Aug. 31. The latest issue of the only off cial publication appearing in Abys- sinia, entitled "Light" and. Free-

that if any British subject parti- cipate in any hostiles Abyssinia. either in support of or will be against Abyssinia, he

ulty of a grave offence and liable to two years' imprisonment and/or fined £500- Reuter.

ATTACK ON "NATIVE' SERVANT

Wounded By Spears

apocal ai Honr Kon

Unity Pres'i

COURVOISI

Courvoist

DODWELL & CO., LTD.

Tel. 20036.

Sole Agents.

Queen's Building,

AUSTRALIAN ATTITUDE

AT GENEVA

Premier Deplores Reports

In Newspapers

Canberra, Aug. 31. cutlining Australia's views. ́‚Mr." Describing the published reports Bruce is requested to keep the as unauthorised and misleading, Cabinet In hourly touch with Mr. J. A. Lyons, the Australian developments. Premier, after a Cabinet discussion | Reuter; - this morning, deplored the state- ments in the newspapers on Aus- fralia's attitude

EARLY REPORT

Canberra, Aug. 30. A Federal Cabinet meeting to-

((By Tsingrapa, Copyright, Fata graphia. -- MezoGEE Ordinanca. સાપ Received, September 1, 1:30 am.)

Addis Ababa, August 31. An attempt was made in the early hours on Friday morning on the life of a native servant named Kebbada, of the Italian Consul, Baron Falconi, who accompanied

Mr. Lyons said that the Govern-day decided unanimously that the his master оп the

abortivement cannot and should not de- Australian High Commissioner, journey to the consulate in the fine its attitude on a situation Mr. Stanley Bruce, should be interior, and was an eye-witness which has not arisen. Care should instructed to take every posable of the shooting accident when the be taken not to prejudice a de-step to support Great Britain's Consul injured himself

licate situation and make the task efforts to maintain peace between tenance of peace more difficult. of those striving for the main Italy and Ethiopia,

with two spear throws so that he had to be admitted to a hospital The Government has ordered an enquiry Transocean Kuo Min?

dom" appearing weekly as the Embushed Kebbada, wounding him The unknown assailants am

peror's own organ, contains a pro- clamation exhorting the populace to remain caly declaring that aero- lanes cannot destroy earth, tanks cannot climb mountains, the use of poison gas is forbidden by inter- national

treatles, and that the banks, post offices and public ser vices will remain functioning nor- mally, so that no reason for panic exita,

After pointing out that the Bri-

The proclamation, which it seems tish, Government has already sent cruisers to stategically important has been drawn up by the Emperor points in the Mediterranean, the Personally, says that Abyssinia wil "Tribuna" asks whether she is de-aght to the last breath for freedom.

sinian oll. termined to night Italy for Abys-with death, and cites the story of

OFFICIALS SILENT

In contrast to the press, Italian official quarters are maintaining an attitude of reserve towards the re- ported concesalon in Abyssinia. No official statement will be issued us yet, it was declared in Government circles on Saturday evening, since at present the only information available is from newspaper re- ports..

The Italian Embassy in London, it is understood, has bean instructed to make enquirieş as to how matters really stánd, s

Should the granting of the con- cession be confirmed, it will om cially be regarded as an infringe- ment in international treaties on the part of Britain and a breach of the recently made declaration of neutrality given by the United Sta tea,

David and Goliath. Transocean Kuo Min.

SUBMARINES PASS

Port Said, Aug 30. Two Italian submarines to-day passed through the Bues Canal, bound for the East.- Router.

REPORTS DENIED

ད

London, Aug. 30. The British Legation at Addu Ababa has denied a report which was circulated earlier this week that instructions had been issued to Britists subjects to leave Abys sinia. The British Minister, Sir Sydney Barton, has for some time been authorised, if and when he might think it necessary, to advise those British subjects In Abys- sinia, who could conveniently do so, to leave. The moment, when The eventual argument that it the advice should be given has is an agreement with a private been left to the Minister's dis- company will be regarded as un-cretion, and no such action yet tenable. In any case it is stresmed, has been taken the concession agrement will not succeed in making the Italian Gow ernment deviate from its resolution to carry out the East African en terprise

unrean Buo Min.

SENSATION IN PARIS,

Paris, Aug 31.

EARLY CABLE REPORTS

London, Aug. 31.

papers burst out in a furious storm An Addis Ababa telegram re- of indignation. Eng and swallows ports that the Negus has granted half of Abyssinia at a single bite. au Anglo-American company with True aspect of British Imperialiam its headquarters in London a revealed behind the League of Ne- large concession to exploit miner- tions mask" are among the head A sensation was created here by als and oil in Abyssinia. It is lines printed in big type across the news of the concession affect stated that it will ultimately"fn- | pages.

ing half of Abyssinia which has volve millions of pounds..

The semi-official "Giornale been granted to Anglo-American It is officially confirmed that an D'Italia” stall refuses to belleve Interests, and the press as well as Egreement has been signed grant the news of Britain's colossal rob the public are engaged in excited ing concessions over vast territory | bery in Ethiopia" before it le-of-¡ conjectures ar to Italy's reaction In Abyssinia for the development ficially confirmed. Should it. not to this surprise move.

The

CHICAGO NEGROES IN PROTEST

Demonstration Against Italian Aggression

instructions cabled to Mr. Stanley It is learned officially that the Bruce reiterated that the Govern ment gives its utmost support to Britain's peace policy Reuter

It is understood that the Minis-

possibility of a decision on the ters expressed concern at the part of the Government in Great Britain to attempt to impose sanctions against Italy. Such move, it was feared, would only precipitate algraver crisis.

The Cabinet therefore Mr. Lyons declined to give an to instruct Mr. Bruce official statement in regard to such sanctions- banctions. He admitted that the Reuter. Government had gent Mr. Bruce instructions:

"NO" STATEMENT

Bydney, Aug. 31.

CANADA SILENT

Chicago, Aug. 31.

Ottawa, Aug. 30 The" Sydney Herald" com- No formal opinion upon the Over three hundred persons were nienting on the brief information Italo-Ethiopian question will be ter to-night when the police brake available says that since Mr. Bruce sened by the Canadian Govern arrested in Chicago's negro quar-

upa proposed demonstration occupes & seat on the Council and ment while peace negotiations are against "Italian aggression against means that the League will be un-Bennett, the Prime Minister, to-day a unanimous vote is necessary, this progressing. stated Mr R B Ethiopia"

swooped down without warning after exhaustive discussion the

Police cars with strens screaming able to impose sanctions.

commenting upon Australia's re The Telegraph" states that ported opposition to sanctions. and prevented the holding of the Cabinet sent a long cable to Mr. Council have been told that "the Canada's delegates to the League demonstration. The police used Brace who, as President elect of only war in which we are interest. their truncheons freely and kept the Council, will make an im- ed is a war for peace. thousands of negroes moving.

ייז

Many white people including portant speech before the League Reuter, women with bables were among those "arrested, je

י|

The police assert that Com- munists organised the demonstra-

tion.- Peuter,

GERMANY'S MANDATED

COLONIES

18pecial to "Hong Kong Dally Press”):

(by Telegraph, Copyright," Tole graphio Massagne Ordinance, 180 Received, September 14-50 am)

Berlin, August 31,

FUNERAL OF THE QUEEN

Royalty Leave For Brussels

U.S. NEUTRALITY

BILL SIGNED

President Issues Statement

Washington, Aug. 31. President Roosevelt bas the American. Neutrality Bul signing it the President statement pointing out measure provides a licensing

Stockholm, Aug. 31. Prince Charles and Princess Ingeberg, father and mother of Queen Astrid, Prince Charles and Princess Margareta, her brother Several weeks ago, missionaries

and sister, are leaving for Brus In order to correct an impressels to-night to attend the funeral were advised to send their v

wives. and children on furlough, or to made in some sections of the The Crown Prince of Sweden, tem to control carrying at urme

alon that apparently has been on Tuesday, concentrate them in Addis Ababa foreign preas by a strong plea for representing the King, will be on American vessels, controls, the while plans were formulated for the return of Germany's man leaving later concentrating inissionaries at dated colonies published under The Crown Prince and Princess submarines, restriction of tra

use of American waters by various provincial capitals, with the heading of "Germany needs of Norway are proceeding to Americans in vessels the co-operation of the Abyssinian breathing space in Friday's Brussels to-night. Government the need for such editko of the National Socialist An unceasing stream of letters port

nts, and embargo, concentration should ever arise, party But In this case also no action has bachters semi-omcial news reaching Prince Charles. All nags

organ "Voelkischer Beo- from all parts of the world far been deemed necessary,

agency points out that this really in Sweden are at half mast Brifuh" Wirrlen

In a reprint of

Reuter,d leading article

"Dally Aug. 30. Mail. Unfortun

of the contemplating edition of the paper had gone to in the Ethiopian preas, before. was discovered are reminded by that the source of the article had Communique that Dot been mentioned

of of deposits with American comprove to be a false alarm, writes It is pointed out in reports on panies.

the paper then the concession the conston which have appear The African Exploration and would be a double infringement of ed in the British press, that not Development Corporation was the treaties of 1894 and 1800, Drsity | only mineral but all the natural chartered under the laws of the because these treaties preclude any | wealth" of that part of Abyssinia. - und State of Delaware on July 11 last. monopoly, and; secondly, hecause lý question, comes under the terms The registered capital is 5,000 the concession directly affects the of the conn ssion, thus precluding | Ject shares of a par valus of $100 each. | zone of interest reserved by Italy. Italy even, sending colpnists for the * The charter authorises inter. When Mussolini said at Bolzano | Sericu `alʼa boring for petroleum and the that Italy acknowledged all the la-

exploration and der

natural reso

Fine Amer

signature

E for térestal of the British Empire, he

meant the rights already recog d'Affaires zised or awaiting recognition but armed the he had no intention of writing out

"to a blank cby

BRITISH WARNED"

step

the

Long

be an offence Transocean Kuo Min

The British Governm

what is tantamo

this

and ha

of 194

barred the way for Italy. Transocean Kuo Min.

ecent long

the

sub

fom: or

MRS ICKES KILLED

DUKE OF YOKE

London, August 31 HR.E the Duke of York Is presenting King de

funeral of the Inte Queen Astrid

of

Belgium

Reuter

BREAKING THE NEWS