Evening star., 1935-09-05
LABOR REPR|SALS
THREATEN ITALY
League in Stalemate, but
International Unions Will
Act Tomorrow.
The EfhioDian Situation,

me EtniOpLdH CIudNOH.
Possibilities of boycotting Italy in
case of war on Ethiopia will be
studied tomorrow at Geneva by
executives Of International Fedora
ton of Trades Unions.
Italy has indicated she will not re-
main in the League on basis of
equal footing with Ethiopia, whom
she accuses of being outside the
pale Of civilization. The Ethiopians,
on the other hand. accuse Italy
Of unwillingness to follow civilized
procedure.
A spokesman in Rome said Premier
Mussolini would carry through his
program in East Africa with the
League. without the League, or
against the League"
Emperor Halle Selassie was regarded
as hopeful that Pope Plus would
intercede with Italy on the behalf
of peace.
Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin called
war cabinet" session in London.
Labor Federation to Act.
6y lIlo hSSOCletcu EIcsSs
GENEVA, September 5.-Organized
labor prepared today to take up the
Italo- Ethiopian problem as the League
Of Nations Council, faced with un-
compromising stands by the two ma
tions involved, retired the matter
momentarily to the status Of private
discussions.
Italy indicated she would not meet
Ethiopia on o basis Of equal footing
in the League. She claimed Ethiopia
was barbarous and uncivilized. The
Ethiopians, on the other hand, sug-
gested Italy wanted to settle their
differences without regard to the
standards of civilization.
1t was understood the Council may
meet tomorrow and appoint general
committee of inquiry. 1t would con-
slider all aspects Of the dispute between
Italy and Ethiopia and prepare plan
of settlement.
Labor Reprisals Loom.
In the meantime word went out
that the Executive Committee of the
International Federation Of Trades
Unions, meeting here tomorrow, would
discuss how organized labor can par
alyze Premier Mussolinis Ethiopian
enterprise If the League fails to pre-
serve the peace.
The federation represents most OF
the organized labor unions in Europe
as well as many others overseas.
Its Executive Committee Is expected
to discuss the possibilities of workers
boycotting the handling Of all goods
shipped to and from Italy in case of
war. The importance of possible de-
cision to this effect is that 1t could
be reached independently of the
League.
Leaders of left wing parties of
France already are urging Premier
Laval to insist on a settlement, prom
ising left wing support to the govern
ment on any program Of strong meas
ures to prevent war.
Delay Pieases Italians.
In the League itself, proceedings
were halted while statesmen reviewed
material flowing from yesterdays
Council meeting. The Italian dele
gates seemed pleased by the delay and
one said: I'VE want to give the world
time to understand our position. We
are In no hurry"
Fear was expressed In some quarters
that If the Council tried to bring
Italy to the bar Of judgment" Premier
Mussolini would Immediately order his
delegation to leave Geneva.
League circles suggested that Italy's
long list of accusations brought yes
terday against Ethiopia, claiming the
African empire to be barbarous and
slave-holding, might be met by the
appointment of an international po-
lice force to operate in Ethiopia under
authority Of the League.
Consent Of Ethiopia Needed.
Such force operated early this
year In the Saar Basin territory dur
ing the plebiscite.
Such a police force could be dis
patched into Ethiopia with the con-
sent Of the Ethiopian government.
Baron Pompeo Aloisi Of Italy. who
lsee ETHIOPIA Page ~