1936-04-22 — Page 9

IMPOTENCE OF LEAGUE

OF NATIONS

Stern Questions By Abyssinia

Creating A Hazardous Precedent

"Hong Kong Daily Press" Specia;

Geneva, April 21.

In the declarat on made by the Abyssinian reprezentative. M. Wolde Mariam, at the public session of the League Counc. he voiced the regret fest by the Abyssinian delegation that the deci. slon reached by the League of Nations Council had recorded clearly enough that for seven months the Italian Government had been carrying on a war of annihilation against a people whose only crime was that it was defeuding its political existence and lives of its inhab tants--aged men, women and children-- against an invader who had violated all treaties it has signed, in particular that of 1925, which to the honour of mankind had for- bidder the use of poison gas.

"Is it the intention of the League of Nations Council to do nothing more than address to Italy that has challenged the Lea- gue of Nations and the whole world one more solemn patonic appeal to collaborate in maintenance of peace? Is that the effectual support that member <tates understood by signing-Arti- 'cle XVI of the Covenant? Is that the fulfilment of the promise that the League of Nations made in October 1935 to the victim of attack? WE) the League of Nations bow before a fait accompli because It is performed by a powerful state and because the vic- tim stands alone?"

M. Wolde Mariam asked the; above solemn questions.

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He said that the Abyssinian de- legation was convinced that the Council was about to create hazardous precedent for the safety of relations between peoples for maintenance of peace and respect for International obligations- Fransicion News Service.

APPEAL TO ITALY

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pute and appealing for Italy's re- consideration of her attitude

Seven months ago, said Mr. Eden, the League decided that Italy had made war upon Ethiopia in de- flance of the Covenant. This, he sald, was a solemn hour, and every Government must show its respon- sibility and above all clearly state what policy it intends to pursue.

Great Britain was ready to im- pose further economic and finan- clal sanctions against Italy, he de- clared.

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1936.

ADDIS ABABA EXODUS

Bank Of Ethiopia

To Close

("Hong Kong Dally Press" Special)

Addis Ababa, Apru 21. The fight of the panic stricken population from the Abysanian capital continued throughout Man- day. The roads leading to the mountains" West of Addis Ababa are completely blocked by streams of fugitives

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The recently organised defence corps of the national capital is speedily being equipped with arms,

RUBBER MARKET POOR OUTLOOK

QUOTA

No Revision Likely. At Meeting

London, Apr. 21. That no fireworks in the form of quota revision is key to result at the International Rubber Restric- tion Committee meet ng scheduled in London on April 28 is the gen- eral bellet of rubber interests both in London and Amsterdam. The possibility of 5 per cent, increase is mentioned in some quarters, but the majority of opinion holds that the stock position definite does not

known to

FOR PEACE

Associated Pressman Gives His Views

Shanghai, April 21. "There is such a wide gulf be- tween

the peace terms which Signor Mussolint proposes and those the Emperor is disposed to accept that I fear a compromise at this time is impossible," said Mr. James Mills, who spent six months in Ethiopia on behalf of the Asso- clated Press, when interviewed on his arrival in Shanghai yesterday. will, I fear, be long drawn out and "Negotiations-if they begin at all

difficult." he added.

amongst others with obsoleta brass warrant such a decision. guns at least 100 years old.

Symington and Wilson's rubber Rallway traffic between' Addis brokers review to be published to-

Mr. Mills, who is engaged on a Ababa und Jibuti is still function-morrow gives the world stocks atroving commission, in staying in ing fairly wed, although trains 582,135 tons. plus 6000

Shanghal for a few days and will then proceed to North China and Arr.ve mostly behind scheduled, be Brazil, while based on last

Manchuria.- time.

| year's consumption 44 months' Sup-

Reuter, The Bank of Ethiopia has an py (generally considered a desir- nounced that it will close onable level amounts to 360,000. Thursday. The foreign staff of

It also points out that United WAR DANGER

the Bank, will leave for Jibuti on Kingdom stocks are 143.337 where- Wednesday. A great part of the as during the eighteen months be- Bank's gold and sliver supply had fore restriction they averaged 95.- already been sent to Jibu: pre-000 and consequently could be re- viously..

duced 50.000 and still be normal.-- Reyter.

Transocean. New Service.

BADOGLIO'S PLANS

Asmara, April 21. Beports announcing that Italian troops will enter Addis Ababa in the next few days are denied by emc.al quarters here.

SILVER MARKET

(From Our Own Correspondent)

London, Apr 21. London Siver prices to-day were up 1 18 as follow:-

It is pointed out that Marshal Badoglio does not intend to risk a setback by beginning the march on Addis Ababa before the advance has been carefully prepared

Spot Reports from the Ogaden front Forward state that among the prisoners taken there the Italians found Abyssinian machine gunners wha were chained to their guns and who did not surrender before the last shot was fired.- Transocean News Service.

machine

AWAITING INVADERS"

London, Apr. 21. The meeting of the League Com- mittee Fast night, piter passing the

It was possible to pass by in

Addis Ababa, Apr. 21. The capital is virtually empty. resolution, regretted the falure of | silence the use of poison gas by effort on concillation In the Italo- | Italian troops; against a people ut- The exodus continued all night Ethiopian confic and making

of long and terly unprovided with means

а few are remaining supreme appeal to Italy to bring defence against this form of war- quietly to awak the Invaders. about a settlement in

fare which had been outlawed by The remainder of the British and the spirit which the League was entitled to

the two belligerents and eleven Dutch

have arrived expect from one

of its original ether nations, and which concern-The British rescued three members members, "

ed the inhabitants of every city in of the Dutch unit who had a nar- The British Foreign-Secretary.

the world.

Tow (scape from Italian advance Mr. Anthony Eden thereafter leit

guards near Quoram. for London.

During the debate which preceed- ed this decision Mr. Eden had told the Coung that in the British Government's views it was the duty of the League members to main- tain the existing sanctions and thai His Majesty's Government was prepared, "together with these rel- low-members," to consider the im- posliion of any further economic and financial sanctions that might be considered necessary and effec- tive,

RULE OF LAW

"How can we have confidence that our own people will not be burned and killed agonisingly hereafter?" asked Mr. Eden.

FUTURE OUTLOOK. With regard to the future out- look, Mr. Eden asserted that every nation represented at the Coun- cil session might at some time nerd the protection of the League Covenant and much of the effect of the Covenant depended upon the final outcome of the present crisis, Great Britain was prepared to act in accordance with her League policy, to the same extent is other nallons, but no further.

The Times" says that Mr. Eden's

"If the League is now so shaken speech shows that the British Goy that its future utility is placed in ernment are determined to keep doubt, we should have to consider their foreign podey firmly based the polley which It would be our upon the principle of upholding the duty to pursue meanwhile," he as- rule of law and in supporting co-serted. Pective resistance to unprovoked aggression in spite of any tempor- ary setback. In the long-run that. must prove the wisest as well as the most courageous course.

the

It may not be possible in. present case to prevent an aggres- sor from reaping the reward of his

aggression, though the final rec- koning has yet to be made. What

is possible and what is necessary for the sake of the future is to maintain undinching sanction sup- port of the rule of law..

The "Daily Telegraph" notes that the French delegate endorsed the declarations of the British Govern ment which still maintain confid- ence in the League as the best in-

strument available for preservation of international peace,

FASCIST DICTATOR The "News Chronic.e" says that in very dimcult circumstances Mr. Eden has probably done as well as could be expected, but events have the earlier warnings against perils of delay in imposing sanctions. There must be. до weakening of British policy now.

justined

The most drastic sanctions to which fellow members of the League can be induced to agree must be continued. Even if Abyssinia is conquered the League's account with the Fascist dictator is not settled.

British Wireless.

OUTSPOKEN DECLARATION

Geneva, Apr. 20.

He concluded win an appeal to each member nation to contribute

Its utmost in collective support of the authority of the League.

ITALIAN ATTITUDE Baron Aloist, speaking for Italy, declared it was impossible to agres

to a cessation of hostilities unless. an armistice gave Italy occupation

eluding the capital of Ethiopia and of all centres of mobilisation, in-

also frontier points from which arms could be delivered,

In other words, he asked for ac- ceptance of Italian occupation of practically the whole of their enemy's territory.

ambulance

It is reported that the Bank of Ethiopia will close on Thursday and will remove to Djibouti Friday. Reuter's Bulletin Service.

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ADVANCE REPORTED

Rome, Apr. 21. Marshal Badoglio reports no de- Bnite movements of troops. but stated that the southern forces have advanced a hundred kilome- ters since last week.- Reuter'i Bulletin Service

DOCKYARD STRIKE IN

COLOMBO

Colombo, Apr. 20, Two thousand native labourers

April 20 April 21 20-1/2 20-9/13 20-1/2

20-9/16

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TEA RESTRICTION BENEFITS

London, April 21. Further evidence of the satis- factory working of tea restriction is shewn in Lloyd Matheson, and Carritt's March statistics giving

EUROPE

IN

Mr. Duff Cooper's Warning

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London, Apr., 20.

The European situation was to- night described by the Secretary for War, Mr. Alfred Duff Cooper. as "graver than in 1914."

He was addressing the Territu lal Army demonstration. at Man- chester when he said that the stakes to-day were higher and there was more to lose than in the days before the last world war.

The only direction in which the world had made "any real progress since the war. Mr. Duff-Cooper satd, was in the manufacture of instruments of destruction. "It is nothing less than the suicide of our civilisation which we may wit- ness in our time," he declared.

If there were no Territorial Army he did not see how England could be defended, he said, upon a basis of voluntary recruiting.

BUDGET DAY SPEECH IN COMMONS

Surplus Of

Of Nearly Three Millions

HIGHER EXPENDITURE IN 1936

London, April 21.

In the House of Commons to-day, the Armament Budget at- tracted unusually large and animated crowds of distinguished strangers and Commoners. The diplomatic gallery was quite ful and included Dominions representatives. Mr. Neville Chamber'ain, Chancellor of the Exchequer, opened his budget speech amid cheers at 3.33 p.m.

The most remarkable and astonishing fact was a surplus of nearly £3,000,000 compared wit Mr. Chamberlain's estimate of only £500,000. Considering that whereas he estimated supple- mentary estimates of four millions he had to provide nearly four- teen millions, that was a wonderful demonstration of the buof- ancy of revenues, and the country had every reason to congra- tulate itself that up to the present it had taken comfortably in stride the new and unexpected demands on its resources:

Mr. Chamber ain drew the con- clusion that there was a general increase in the country's wealth

and expansion of trade activity.

-It was revealed that the Ex- change Equalisation Account still continued to show a profit,

During the

year the National Debt was reduced by four and half millons while the Floating Debt was reduced by fifty one and half millions. No increased provision would be made for redemption of the debt figure for the debt ser- vice would remain at 224 milions.

DEFENCE EXPENDITURE The financial statement elreu at- ed as the Chancellor rose shows that the total estimated expendi- ture for the Supply Services includ- ing the Army, Navy and Air Force amounts, to 537 millions, compared with 512 millions spent ast year.

Dealing with the problem of rearmament finance, he sold "ib was inequitable that the whole cost should fall on the revenue of the next Ave years. Unless an agreement on disarmament were reached, the cost of defence would rise swiftly to the peak and would not descend to old levels,

In future years a part of this expenditure might properly be

met out of loan.

INCOME TAX INCREASE The Chancellor announced an increase in Income Tax in the pound, with an increase of two pence a pound on tea, while he proposed to take over five millions from the Road Fund, making an estimated surplus of half mpion,

The only crumb for the tax- payer was an increase of children's allowances from fifty to sixty The Chancellor announced that pounds, also an increase for the he had decided to set aside a fur-free married allowed from £170 to. ther twenty millions this year for £180. supplementary estimates for De-1.

10 the

fence Services in addition

stimates ready published.

stocks in United Kingdom ware- houses as 249.3 million lbs, a re- duction of just over 40,000,000 lbs,

The new defence expenditure for He challenged the leaders of the 1936-7 will be for Air ten millors. compared with last year. While

Church of England to declare while the sum required for the consumption is 39.8 million lbs. compared with 37.7 million lbs, last themselves on the doctrine that it Army and Navy is uncertain. but year, low priced Indian teas is wrong to be a soldier and fight, :obably will be about the same. monthly average reached one for the things in which one be-

INCREASED REVENUES shilling for the first time since leves... July 1934, an increase of 2 pence Reute

The expenditure for 1936 includ- in twelve months.-

Ing supplementary estimates wou'd be nearly £798,000 000, Reuter

ITALY CELEBRATES THE BIRTHDAY OF NATION

Mussolini's "Message

the

WILS

Rome, April 21. Italy célebrates the birthday of

nation to-day which founded 2,869 years ago. To-day also is the Feast of Labour and crowds gathered in Rome to greet

Signor Mussolini..

HUNGARIAN-POLISH RELATIONS

("Hong Kong Daily Press" Speciali

Against the large increase in ex- penditure Mr. Chamberlain expect.

An interesting measure to help the distressed artas will be the formation of a company with a nominal £1,000,000 to finance small businesses there.

Mr. Chamberlain' concluded his speech at 5 o'clock- Rulez

BUDGET STATEMENT. IN THE COMMONS

London, April 21.

en substantial increases of revenue, The usual eve of budget meet- His estimate from Customs anding of the Cabinet was not con-- Excise of 314 milions being an in sidered necessary yesterday. The crease of ten and half millions compared with last year while the estimated Income Tax revenue is 248 milions, an increase of ten misions.

Budapest, Apr. 21. Premier Goemboes received the Folish Minister Lepkowski and the Hungarian Foreign Minister de Kanya with both of whom he had a conversation for half an haur.

It was anticipated that there Polical circles believe that the will be an increased Polish

revenue of Premier Koscialkowaki's.

over ten millions from beer, tobac- bere, the postponement of

Ottawa co, all, silk, import and which was announced on Sunday, duties, and in and revenue totalling will take place in the course of the 420 millions. next few days.

visit

Duce in addressing the people

The total reverive from all sour- did not give any news of the war,

Informed quarters express con- but he said that today is the fidence that in view of the "cordial taxation was nearly 776 millions. ces on the basis of the present employed in the Naval Dockyards Feast of Labour and Victory. "Our relationship and the far-reaching leaving a prospective deficit a* here, have struck for higher wages,

No disturbances have been re-bour with fruits of Victory and issues existing between Poland and ship of state is nearing the har-solidarity in fundamental political

over twenty one milions. ported but armed police are stand-

with salis unfurled after galling Hungary the Polish Premier's

TAX EVASION ing by.-

through troubled waters." Reuter's Bulletin Service.

Heuter's Bulletin ·Seruice..

to satisfy Ethiopia's demand for in- creased sanctions against Italy, and the session then abruptly con- cluded............ Reuter

PRIVATE SESSION

Geneva, Apr, 20.

ITALIAN CALL TO COLOURS

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, however, had a final Prime Minister on the budget

consultation with "the

statement which he is to make in the Commons this afternoon, the general financial position haring. been already outlined to other Cabinet colleagues before the

Easter recess. Mr. Chamberlain Is" expected to speak for about 90 minutes.

Newspapers take it for granted there will be no remissions of taxation and main interest will centre in whether "the budget statement will reveal that new

The Chancellor foreshadowed commitments for expenditure or visit to Hungary will furnish. op-legal changes to prevent tax armaments can be financed with... evasion dealing with particularly cut. Increasing the burdens on

taxpayers. property

British Wireless. control

portunity for drafting still closer co-operation,-

Transocean News Service.

those who transfer abroad and retaining

"

thereof while they themselves are ¦・・ TAX-BEARERS' GREETINGS the present year. At the same | living in Britain, and the so-called i ("Hong Kong Dai'y Press" Ńbecim") time orders have been given that one-man

London, April 21. companies which will

· To-day "is Budget Day in Eng- those recruits of the classes of 1911 produce an additional two millions land and an advertisement in a Rome, Apr. 20. The War Ministry has issued a

and 1914, who were previously de- this year and four millions in a London, paper gave prominence to Mr. Stanley Bruce, speaking be-decree calling up the class of 1916clared unit for service, have to full year. Likewise the so-called Mr. Neville Chamberlain and offer- fore the private session of the for military service, and providing undergo a new military medical Educational " Trusts which were

ed greetings. We shan't mind League of Nations Council, recalled that the enrolment of recruits examination.

leading to wholesale evasión.

paying so long as you keep the Empire safe," stated the adver- tisement, which was signed by three tax-beafers.---f Heuter's Bulletin Seruico.

it

Canadian Co-operation With Britain

that Afty-two nations had agreed must be ended before the end of Framorons News Service, M. Paul Boncour, the veteran to exercise, all the pressure in their notwithstanding the French statesman, argued that power to end aggression. That temporary pressure must be continued, be in. failure of conciliation it must consisted. If it were abandoned tinue until conclusion of the war. Would be a fatal blow to the whole not only to affirm respect for in-scheme of collective action and the ternational law and respect for the rule by law in human affairs. laws of war, but also "because we need peace in Ethiopia in order to face the menice hanging over Europe."

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He agreed with (Mr. Anthony Eden, the British Foreign Secret- ary, that the failure of sanctions meant the destruction of a new..

bom hope in human affairs, and would create an atmosphere of despair.

He was glad, he said, that Italy had recognised that fact and glad that Britain remained faithful to the principle of collective security

They must do nothing, he waITI- when dark clouds were all arounded, to destroy the effort of collec- the horizon Reuter

COUNCIL RESOLUTION

• Geneva, Apr) 29. The League of Nations Council to-day adopted a resolution regret- ting the failure of the exorts at conelllation between Italy and

tive action represented by the

London, April 21.

The Times" publishes a letter from a Canadian, Mr. J. M MacDonnell, in which it says that if the outcome of the next few weeks confirms the widefelt fear that Biltain is merely using the League when she finds it convenient then the movement in Canada to get away from any co-operation with Britain will be greatly intensified,

REARMAMENT FINANCE The Chancellor announced that he proposed to cover the defeit out of the year's revenue.

DIPLOMAT LOST IN

**SANDSTORM ·

Search Still Continued.

Cairo, Apr. 20.

BELGIAN PREMIER TO VISIT WARSAW

("Hong Kong Daily Press” Special)

Warsaw, Apr. 20/ The Belgian Premier, ván Zee-

The report that the German land, is expected to arrive here Minister, Baron von Stohrer, lost next Saturday or Bunday for in a sandstorm forty-eight hours visit of two days according to ago, has been found near Baksriá,

press reports here. has not yet been confirmed.

On the other hand if there is a 'against it was to be found in. com- League. It was therefore impera-sincère and lasting acceptance of mon adherence by all Empire

The visit had originally been tive to reexamine the whole sys- the League principle, then there | governments of upholding the rals The desert is still being scarched

planned to take place before Easter tem of collective security in the will be one more chance of Canada of law as opposed to force in by aircraft and Camel Corps units.

but was postponed owing to the light of events of the past seven remaining an effective member of international affairs-supporting Automobiles belonging to the meetings of the Locarno Fowers months and see how best to im-

the Empire.

collective resistance to unprovoked frontier administration depart to London and Geneva. prove the situation.

aggression.

ment are combing the area in Transocean News Service, Mr. Eden's speech shows that which it is believed Baron von the British Government is deter Stohrer may have come to griefner, who disappeared on Baurday mined to keep their foreign polles teuter.

during an excursion in the desert. firmly based on this principle. It

and it la feared that he was lost may not be possible in the present

In a sandstorm. case to prevent an aggressor resp- Ing the reward of his aggression, though the final reckoning is yet to come Renter

Mr. Bruce characterised the use The public meeting of the League Ethiopia, and appealing to Italy to of poison gas as a hideous and dis- of Nations Council to-day listened | bring to the solution of the dispute astrous form of warfare. with rapt attention to the outspoke the spirit to be expected from as is understood at at this pris en declaration of Mr Anthony founder member of the League,vate session several members, not Eden, the British Foreign Secret Italy voted against the resolu- ably the South Americans, opposed ary, which preceded the resolution, y

blaming either alde for a break- tion regretting the failure of co- The Ethiopian delegate com- | down in negotiations. ciliation in the Italo-Ethiopian dis- plained that the resolution failed. Rester.

The "Times" commenting on the letter says that the feeling in Canada is equally the true feeling of every other Dominion

One of the great dengɛra to which the British Commonwealth is exposed is drifting apart through disagreement over some critical issue of foreign policy. | The most effective safeguard

STILL NO NEWS

Thakti Cairo, Apr. 20, There is still no news on Monday late at night of the missing Ger- man "Minister to Cairo, von Btoh-

The Egyptian Camel Corps: sre Indefatigably searching an Dosable directions w Transocean

Faui Bervice

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