The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-10-18

Alden, around the corner of the Asian continent from its southern entrance, as a fleet base and the Alden protectorate extends up to the strait of Bab Fl Mandeh, which it can dominate with big guns. It also has Perrin Island in the strait and is reported to be fortify- ing some rocky islets adjacent. Italian Eritrea lies just north of the straits, its coast entirely on the narrow Red Sea, and thus 1.-the heart of the whole East African campaign and the Clief war base could be cut of apparently with comparative ease.
 All Around The Coast Even if Italy reached Eritrea its ships would have to go all round the coast of Africa-taking water, prob- ably as well as food and munitions.
 Italian Somaliland might be kept open, though that is not likely. Even if 1t were, the southern front is re- garded as relatively unimportant.
 On the political side, it was learn- ed to-day that Joaquin De Vascon- cellos of Portugal, chairman of the , league penalties committee, intends tomorrow to communicate to the United States, Japan, Germany Brazil and presumably Iceland, non members of the league, measures taken so far and measures proposed to be taken against Italy.
 It was understood that Vasconcel- los intended to word his communi- cation to that it would almost nec- essitate a reply.
 In order to forestall negative ans- wers, which might seriously imperil the success of proposed penalties, it is believed that a leading league na- ton interested in actively upholding the league covenant has informall, mentioned. the communication te the nations mentioned, and conf. dence is expressed that any replies will not embarrass the league.
 More Penalties Added
 The economic subcommittee or Ipenalties to-day added rubber tt No. 1" list of key 4products-pre. dominately controlled by league members-of which Italy is to b, deprived.
 Products already on the list wer, manganese ore, chromium, tin, iron ferrol-manganese, amalgum, tung. sten, molybden, radium, aluminium and nickel.
 | Tha acoponoio c,,h-cov,ro;t+aa <ao cided to refer direct to the penaltie. general staff" the British proposa for boycott of all Italian goods The general staff will consider il tomorrow.
 It was agreed also to recommend that all league members adopt econ. omic penalties simultaneously, 1T order that none should profit at thu expense of others. Awaits French Pledge
 Paris, Oct. 18-U.P.)--Great Sri. tain, confidently awaiting a pledg. from France early next week that she will cooperate with the British fleet in the Mediterranean, to-day firmly maintained her attitude o1 not making the slightest concession to Italy unless Italy halts her wal in Africa. R
 Premier Pierre Laval of France although finally willing to back Bri. tain, nevertheless continued his eff. forts to keep the way open fol peaceful negotiations. To that end he tentatively suggested that Bri- tain remove few big warships fl Italy removes excess" soldiers from Libya, adjoining Egypt.
 Britain, it was learned officially refused to do so, contending that Libya is mot concerned" in the controversy. The British position amounts to an ultimatum to Italy that the only gesture which would cause reduction of Britains Mediter- ranean fleet would be the Italian withdrawal from Ethiopia.
 Urged to Cooperate
 Laval conferred with Sir George Clerk, British ambassador, fol nearly an hour and was expected tt see him again later in the day. H. also talked with Marshal Philippe Petain, member of the supreme wal council and one of the government! most trusted military advisers.
 The naval and military adviser were understood to have urged tn, government to cooperate with thu British fleet, fearing that if Britain otherwise carried out her threat t end future collaboration" on tn, continent, France would be exposed to the military menace of Germany
 The French pledge probably vii take the form of promising to CO operate if Britain is attacked b, Italy while acting not as an indi vidual but as league policeman il the Mediterranean. That will b. easy, as Britain intends to act only under the covenant, with the sup port of all league members.
 The French in return may ask fol a British pledge to aid France if sht is wantonly attacked by Germany in violation of the covenant. Thi, promise may be forthcoming.
 BALTIC SEA WATER BOTTLED
 Berlin (U.P0-On the strength of constituents carried OlIt hv ths