halo-Abyssinian Negotiations But for developments of greater moment elsewhere . the
acceptance in principle by both Italy and Abyssinia of the League's invitation to consider negotiations for peace would have been treated as an event of importance.
As it is, not only have the notes from the two capitals been completely overshadowed, but the meeting of the- Committee of Thirteen called to receive the replies and take such further action as might seem possible has been postponed till next week. Neither note carries matters much further. That from Addis Ababa -is the more explicit of the two, and the Emperor very wisely takes his stand on the Covenant, demanding as an essential basis of negotiation respect for the independence and- territorial integrity of his country in the sense of Article X of that instrument. This, no doubt, is not to be considered as Ethiopia's last word, for as long ago as last September the Emperor accepted in principle the proposals of the Committee of Five, which, while they contravene no article of the Covenant, do involve the adoption by Ethiopia of various measures guaranteeing order and good administration within its borders. The difficulties when negotiations are opened at Geneva next week are likely to come rather from Italy than Abyssinia, for Signor Mussolini may be counted on to make what capital he can out of Marshal Badoglio's recent military successes. But on this, as on almost every other European question, the controversy with Germany will have its effect, though it is difficult as yet to see precisely what effect.
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