That a conflict between the League and Italy can still
be averted seems unlikely. Signor Mussolini is un- doubtedly impressed by the opposition he has provoked, Particularly in this country, and might yet retrace his course if he had not burned all his boats. Italy has hailed Sir Samuel lloare's message to the Duce, and Sir Eric Drummond's more formal assurances, with relief. There is some danger, indeed, that they may be misinterpreted, for while it is highly desirable to make Italy understand that Britain as an individual country is animated by no kind of hostility to her it must be made equally clear that Britain as a member of the League of Nations bolds herself completely free to take whatever action defence of the Covenant may require. That undoubtedly was the intention behind both messages. It is to be hoped that they were so. understood. Meanwhile there is some reason to fear that the duty of assisting Abyssinia against aggression is being disregarded. The Emperor appealed to the League many weeks ago to despatch neutral observers to watch the situation on the threatened asrednidngob c‘j einetciivdeentasn a icr)oesni teiNo, an Log frontiers, and be in reliable information to that may inevitably arise there. Such a step would be of great value, particularly in view of the danger that such an incident may be made use of to precipitate the whole conflagration. The League Council would do well to comply with the request without further delay.
