A treaty has been signed between Italy and Menelek, the
new King of Abyssinia, under which he formally accepts an Italian protectorate, and transfers the control of his foreign policy to the Italian Government. This concession has been regularly notified to the European Powers ; and though the French threaten not to recognise it, it cannot be seriously -opposed except by England, which is altogether favourable. The success of Italy upon the Red Sea Coast has been great; and if the Abyssinian King is sincere, she will have the control of an army of thirty thousand brave men, occupying a position whence they can render invaluable assistance to any British project for the pacification of the Valley of the Nile. Ten thousand good Abyssinians, with Massowah to start from, would make a serious difference if we had to fight for our position in Egypt against an invasion from the Mediterranean side.
