Evening star., 1935-09-29
Informs Geneva Provoca-
tive Moves of Italy Indi-
cate Offensive Soon-Re-
states League Confidence.
RULER DENIES TROOPS
ALREADY MARSHALED
New Rains Threaten to Delay
italian Advance - Proclama-
tions for Mobilization Are Dis
tributed Among Provincial Gov
ernors for Immediate Promul-
cation.
By the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
Adds ABABA, September 28.-
Emperor Halle Selassie served notice
on Geneva tonight that If Italy con-
tinues her warlike preparations in East
Africa he must. in self defense, order
q general mobilization of Ethiopia S
warriors.
Italy's provocative attitude indicates
an offensive is near, the King OF Kings
told the League.
Halle Selassie sent his message after
receiving news of the Italian an
nouncement today that the departure
of troops for East Africa was being
speeded up.
Confident of Support.
At the same time the little ruler
expressed confidence the League would
support Ethiopia and prevent her from
becoming the victim of aggression.
The declaration in the Rome COM
munique that Ethiopia has completed
mobilization with the declared inten-
tion of attacking Italian colonies
caused indignation and brought bitter
denials from official circles.
An official close to the Emperor as
kerted: Not only do We declare
solemnly before the world the Emperor
has not mobilized all his forces, but he
has never had the slightest intention
Of attacking Italy's colonial frontiers.
ITO attack a powerful mechanical
foe like Italy, equipped with airplanes
and the deadliest gas bombs, with our
feeble forces. would be sheer insanity.
80 It would cost us the good opinion
of the whole world, compromise our
case at Geneva and ALLEVIATE the sup
port of the League. in which the
Emperor has never lost confidence"
Troop Shifts Denied.
Authorities ridiculed reports (not
carried by the Associated PreSs) that
Halle Selassie had been advised
Italian troops will advance toward
Lake Tsana and as result is shifting
his forces
Heavy intermittent rains pounded
down throughout Ethiopia's towering
escarpment, and some military authori-
ties predicted they might continue
into October.
The rains, falling paradoxically
during the Nationwide Maskal cere-
monies which pious Ethiopians declare
inaugurate the dry season. undoubtedly
would delay any Italian offensive.
Yesterdays torrential downpour left
the roof of the African world a mlre
which was difficult for even foot
travellers to navigate. They raised
havoc with mule caravans, and de-
stroyed bridges.
Can Concentrate 100000.
Although Emperor Halle Selassie
reiterated he had no intention OF
proclaiming general mobilization unless
Premier Mussolini of Italy forced him
to defend his empire, he has prepared
to concentrate quickly a half million
armed men at strategic points.
Today the Negus sent printed
proclamations of mobilization to his
provincial governors so the latter can
release them Immediately if and when
ltaly's attitude warrants.
All the great rasses, including those
of Seyoum. Tigre, Kassa, Gondar,
Nassibu and Harar, already have
powerful provincial forces concentrated
ready to be dispatched to the front
at the Emperor's command.
Today Selassie, sitting as father
to his people, gave great raw meat
feasts in relays to 10000 of his feudal
lords and warriors who yesterday
passed in review before him.
The chiefs, in bright purple capes
with lions names for headdresses and
the tribal warriors in white chammas,
trooped in in groups of 1000 and sat
at long low tables with the king Of
kings" enthroned at their head.
Then professional butchers entered,
(See ETHIOPIA page 81