Signor Mussolini and Abyssinia The speech of Signor Mussolini on
Abyssinia must be recognized for what it is, a speech by Signor Mussolini to his own people. The threat, a few years ago, to build Italian aeroplanes till they blotted out the sun's light was followed in due course by others admirably pacific. in character. Much more serious is the extent of Italy's continued military preparations. Italy is, of course, entitled to take what precautions she thinks necessary, and she Mays consider it an officious intrusion if she is reminded that she has signed two treaties binding her to snbmit any dispute in which she may be involved to the processes of peaceful settlement and in no case to seek to gain her ends by other means. But there the treaties are, none the less. Italy, it is true, has nominated her representatives on the conciliation committee provided for in the Italo-Abyssinian treaty of 1928, and as Abyssinia has her nominees ready peaceful procedure should soon be set in motion. But it remains to choose a neutral chairman and agree on the terms of reference, which Italy appears to be trying to narrow unduly. Abyssinia is for better or worse a member of the League of Nations, and Signor Mussolini has no title, under the plea of-a civilizing mission in Africa, to deny her any of the rights membership of the League gives her.
