The Washington times., 1935-09-26
BOARD OF FIVE
TO STAND BY
FOR PARLEY
London, Paris, Rome
ENJOYS to Continue
Conversations
CONTINUED from Page -

council-with Baron Pompeo
AloiSi,, the Italian spokesman for
II Duce, absent-had been cut and
dried in advance and was pushed
through the session in exactly 81
minutes, including time for half
o dozen momentous addresses.
Every care was taken to avoid
language likely to offend the
absent Italians. All speakers
read brief typewriter statements
obviously prepared beforehand
and rehearsed, although behind
the whole ceremony there was
marked adherence to the League
Covenant principles.
Retention OF the committee of
five indicated that the big
powers still hope for an eleventh
hour turnabout in Rome in view
of the earnestness with which
Britain, France and Russia con-
tiue to voice their determination
not to shirk their duty as League
members.
Rome, Paris, London Talk
Possibly this turnabout, if it
does come, will result from be-
hind-the-scenes diplomatic nego-
tiations now under way between
Rome, Paris and London.
Although their Importance is
officially denied, Capt. Anthony
Eden. British minister for League
affairs, made a remark today
which may have indicated their
significance. He said:
Meanwhile, the governments
are able to consider any other
measures likely to bring con.
Citation"
The public meeting was pre-
ceded by a brief private council
parley, which had been held up
for As minutes while leading dele
gates conferred with Secretary
General Louis Avenol to iron out
procedure.
The halls of the League building
were packed with an animated
crowd of delegates, newspaper
men, observers and tourists-the
biggest gathering here since the
Sino-Japanese war" in 1882.
Premier Pierre Laval of France
nervously smoked a cigarette,
while far at the end of the council
table, Bedjurond Tecle Hawariate
and Prof. CASTOR Jeze, the Ethi-
opian delegates, followed proceed
ings intently.
It was their presence that kept
Baron Aloisi away. for he rigidly
adheres to his contention that
Ethiopia is not fit to be given
equality of treatment with Italy.
Italy declines to sit at any table
where Ethiopia is treated as an
equal of hers. Since Mr.. Hawa-
riate, although Ethiopia is not a
council member, had been invited
to attend the meeting, the Italians
had announced several days ago
they would remain away.
Five Powers Report
Chairman Salvador de NADIA.
riaga opened the meeting with
the report of the five-power com.
mittee, with the Italian rejection
Of the plan for administrative
and territorial readjustments in
Ethiopia, and Baron Aloisi's "ob-
servationS" on the plans "inade-
quacy" and Ethiopia's "barbar-
1ty."
He stressed that the committee
acted as "an organ of concilia-
tion. not called upon to pass
judgment"
The fact that, although Ethi-
opia has accepted the five-power
plan in principle, Adds Ababa has
not yet replied to Italy's accusa-
tions. gave the council an op-
portunity to delay a final report
under Article XIV. Delegate Hawa-
riate told the session:
"The Ethiopian delegation
would like to reserve the right
to consult its government. 1t
will welcome any suggestion
from the council"
It was then proposed that the
committee of five remain in being,
In case they were required for
further conciliation efforts.
weeks Delay Likely
Meanwhile, the council was
asked to go ahead and prepare a.
report under Article XIV.
This will take at least a week.
It was indicated. Then the council
will be reconvened to vote it's ap-
proval-which is certain, since the
council itself forms the drafting
committee.
British and French delegates
then reaffirmed their determina-
ton to abide by League procedure,
which may possibly mean sane
tions.
Premier Laval supported the
program of action others had
plotted, and reiterated his position
as pronounced before the as
sembly. He said:
"The council will accomplish
its task in the letter and spirit
of the Covenant. and will indi-
cate the measures it judges
Indispensable"
Mr.. Litvinoff and Foreign
Minister Peter Munich, of Den
mark, supported the other
speakers, all the addresses en-
phasizing adherence to the
Leagues means of enforcing
peace.
Hugh Wilson, United States
Minister to Switzerland, accom-
panied by Samuel Reber, his Sec
retary, sat in at the private meet