The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-09-20

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 By LOUIS F. KEEMLE
 United Press Cable Editor)
 New York, Sept. 20-(UP)-War in Europe. which few months ago was declared by the worlds most competent observers and statesmen to be a remote possibility before another 10 years at least, was ac. cepted on all sides today as a grave, imminent threat.
 The threat is of war between England and Italy. Other nations could scarcely be kept out.
 The immediate reason is Benito Mussolini's intention of waging war against Ethiopia. But back of it is something more Fundamental than an altruistic desire to defend the sovereignty of the backward African kingdom.
 Dream of Empire
 It is felt in Britain that Musso- linfs present campaign is only the forerunner of dream of colonial empire, and that if he is permitted to get away with his campaign, he may threaten the whole status of colonial Africa, carved up safely and satisfactorily at present among Britain, France, Italy, Belgium. Spain and Portugal.
 If any power other than Britain tried dominance in the Med1erran- can, Africa and the Red Sea, the very foundations of the empire would be threatened-the route by Gibraltar, the Suez canal and the al fa 1in ha n,ia tralia and New Zealand, which is the life-blood of England's trade.
 The British public emphatically does not want war. Important la Dor leaders already have bolted the party in protest against the possi- bility. It is scarcely conceivable that the public would approve war for the sake of Ethiopia alone. But the empire is another matter
 King Would Be Forced
 Thus King George comes into the limelight-not as the figurehead of a constitutional government but as a leader for whom his millions of subjects have undying loyalty. If his ministers decide war cannot be avoided, the king, despite his love oA pCtbNC, "oulo pC oDllS5Cu LO dp- prove and there can pe no doubt the people would rally behind him.
 If Britain and Italy go to war, other nations might easily be in- volved. Despite neighborly friction, England and France are natural allies and joint supporters of the League of Nations. France has her continental allies.
 Italy. too, is not without poten- tial allies. Germany has no idea of submitting perpetually without protest to the loss of her rich l African colonies, stripped from her after the World war. Observers see the possibility of drive by Ger Austria and Hungary down to the | Italian border for an alliance stretching from the Baltic to the Mediterranean.
 Germany Is Silent
 It is, of course, only a possibil- ity. Germany has kep conspicuous ly silent, and may not feel it in her best interests to move right at this time.
 The danger of the situation Is so manifest that the powers at Ge- neva have been taking unprece- dented steps to alleviate it. AS it | stood today, however, they are ab- solutely blocked.
 It has come to showdown. | Mussolini has committed himself | before his people and to back down would entail loss of face fatal to a dictator. Either England and France must let him have his way-in which case they feel there would be no restraining him in fu ture-or halt him in his tracks.
 Britain has taken the desperate and dangerous step of massing it's mighty fleet in the Mediterranean, where some 70 of its warships al- ready are on guard. Mussolini has retorted with movements of his own fleet and formidable air force. and heavy troop concentrations at home, in East Africa and in North Africa, bordering Egypt.
 Little Encouragement
 There was little encouragement in today's news. The Council of the League of Nations waited in discouragement for Mussolinfs re- fusal of it's peace proposals ex- pected tomorrow. There was a hopeful report that Mussolini might suggest another private talk by Britain, France and Italy, but 1t was more hopeful than likely.
 Italy was ready for it's mass test mobilization of more than 10.000,- GOO men, women and children. The Italian cabinet will hold an impor- tant cabinet meeting tomorrow and so will the French. The British cabinet meets Tuesday.
 The best opinion was that the next 10 days will see the start of war in Africa, with a consequent showdown that the whole world dreads