The Washington times., 1935-11-18
BRITISH READY
TO TIGHTEN
PENALTIES
London Worried Lest
LoophoIes in League
Action Develop

LONDON, Nov. 18 0.N.S0.
British officials worried over pos
sible loopholes in the League Of
Nations front against Italy today
as economic warfare against the
italian government was launched
by 81 member states in an effort
to compel Premier Mussolini to
halt his invasion Of Ethiopia.
The attitude of nonmembers
also caused much concern to
British government officials who
were prime movers of the league
offensive against the Italian cam
paign in Africa.
The first creak in the sanctions
machinery was heard Saturday
when the German ambassador
protested against the British re-
quest for certificates of origin on
all goods imported from Germany.
The foreign office announced to-
day that pending negotiations be-
tween British and German Gus
toms officials, Britain will not de-
mand such certificates from Ger
many.
Oil Important
They will be demanded, how
ever, from Austria, Hungary, Al-
bania, and Switzerland, countries
not cooperating fully on the anti
Italian penalties and through
which Italian goods might be
routed to Sanctionist countries.
The German situation is differ
ent from the others, it was pointed
out here, in view of a German
trade treaty with Britain and the
fact Germany is not a member
Of the League.
1t was reiterated that the atti-
tude Of the United States Gov
ernment opposing expectation of
American oil to Italy was a valu-
able aid to sanctions.
Italy obtains from 20 to 80 per
cent of her oil from the United
States, the remainder coming from
Russia, Rumania, and Iraq-al
sanction countries.
Agents at Work
1t was hoped Egypt would be
an effective link in the sanctions
program, although it was charged
in informed quarters that Italian
propaganda was at work in Egypt
to thwart sanctions application.
With italy defiantly calling for
'implacable resistance" to sane
tions, the economic and financial
penalties went into force at one
minute past midnight.
Application of these sanctions
means that arms embargoes al
ready in force against Italy are
now reinforced by prohibition of
imports of Italian origin and of
exports of key products to Italy
necessary for conduct of the war.
Slow, Grinding Down
British officials hope that
while effect of the sanctions may
not be felt Immediately, they
will slowly but surely compel
MuSsolini to come to terms.
In other circles there are fears
M. 7olini may be driven y dras-
tic measures on grounds sane
tions will Strangle Italy and in
reality are acts of war.
British officials believe there is
little prospect of reduction Of
Britain's fleet in the Mediterran.
can at present, owing to the posi-
bility Mussolini may invoke the
rights of a belligerent to search
ships at sea, situation which
would quickly heighten the ten
sion in the middle sea-"
Will Tighten Hold
It was pointed out here the
elaborate machinery Of the League
for application of sanctions can be
strengthened at any time by addi-
ton of other members to combat
the Ethiopian war.
Reinforced by the rearma-
ment mandate at the polls, the
policy of Britain toward Italy is
likely to harden in the next few
weeks, in the opinion of Off
cialS.
It was pointed out the govern
ment can now engage in negotia-
tions without the embarrassing
necessity of keeping one eye on
the voters.