Evening star., 1935-09-20
Premier Laval
Speeds From
Geneva.
CLUM ENJOYS
WAIT AND HOPE
Chance Seen Italy
May Offer New
Peace Plan.

BY the Associated Press.

BY the AsSocia ted Press.
GENEVA, September 20.-The pos
sibilitieS of war in Africa and un-
rest in France sent Premier Laval
home from Geneva today to summon
a plenary cabinet meeting for tomor-
row
What, if any, sanctions France will
be prepared to take against Mussolini
are Lavals chief problem.
Hardly less important is the rising
tide of internal troubles which has
threatened to force him to tie his
hands for firm stand at Geneva.
The alarm and growing restless
ness at home are undoubtedly respon-
Sible for much of Lavals hesitation
to take strong stand at Geneva" a
French official said. With the as
surance of a united country behind
him strong attitude would be pos
sible. Now he is forced TO think of
Frances international obligations in
the light of its internal situation"
Income Tax Collections Slump.
The growing seriousness of the
French internal situation is shown in
the income tax collections of less than
500 100000 francs Cabout $4,000 ,000)
up to July 81 of this year compared to
4500000000 francs for the same time
year ago.
However resolutely Premier Laval
opposes being dragged into war with
Italy through a League application
of penalties. his national defense
ministry has strengthened all arms
into alert readiness.
The railroad guard at Djibouti,
French Somaliland, will soon be
brought to 5000 troops. The French
army Of three-quarters of a million
men is scattered throughout the en-
pire. but half if it is stationed on the
continent in readiness for its annual
maneuvers. The navy's 100000 tons
Of fighting strength is ready for
emergencies.
Certain French sources here said to-
day they believed Premier Mussolini
would not give fiat no to the League
of Nations compromise plan for set
va NllN d4S
pute, but would suggest substitute.
Although this view was not shared
unanimously by the French, one of
them said: Premier MusSolini may
reply, Your plan is idiotic, but am
willing to discuss some other one.
There were unofficial reports that
Premier Laval may arrange to see II
Duce at StreSa, Italy, next week. and
that Salvador de Madariaga of Spain.
chairman of the Italo-E Ethiopian
Committee. which drew up the COM
promise proposal, might also try to
see the Italian leader.
Opposing Pledges Wanted.
A report was circulated in League
quarters that Great Britain seeks a
pledge from II Duce that he will bring
back the major part of his armies
from Northeast Africa, and it was
stated that the Italians. on their part,
want pledge that there shall be no
talk of League military penalties
against Italy in the event of war with
Ethiopia.
From a high source came the decla-
ration that De Madariaga's committee
does not believe there can be a modi-
fication of the framework plan
presented to Italy and Ethiopia.
1t was stated that since this is
merely skeleton scheme, both dis
putting parties must accept it at least
as basis for negotiations or they
would get nowhere, and that any
modification must be made after a
preliminary acceptance.
Pessimism Prevails.
Pessimism prevailed today among
the important delegations awaiting
Premier Mussolini's decision. The
great gap separating Italy's East
African demands and the f1ve-power
committees proposal for development
of Ethiopia, League statesmen said
offered small hopes chat Mussolini's S
answer would prove conciliatory.
WarShips in the Mediterranean
loomed sternly above the calculations
OF the delegates, who were discussing
the feasibility of any sanctions in
volving an economic blockade.
News of the British Warships and
their whereabouts was scrutinized
eagerly during informal conversations
in League lobbies Military experts
who were explaining to Swiss news
papers six weeks ago that Ethiopia S
warriors had no chance against Mus
solini's motorized army were explain
ing now what chance Italy's air and
sea forces might have against Brit