* * . * . * , • But all
this can and will be examined—provided the peace is kept. Sncan and will be the larger question of the right of countries like Italy to opportunities for Colonisation and access to raw materials. But first ,of all the menace of impending, war ,must.bc.faccd, and it is idle to disguise the fact that the only thing that will deter Signor Mussolini now is the conviction that his adventure would be disastrous. The League of Nations alone can convince him of that, and it looked a little more like doing it at the end of Wednesday's Council session than before it. Mr. Eden spoke guardedly but with unmistakable intention of the steps to which the, League might ulti- mately be driven. M. Laval was 'still more guarded, but there was not a syllable in his speech to give Italy reason for satisfaction or relief. The Little Entente and the Balkan. States are understood ti be ready to march in step with France_ and Britain, and the Spanish repre- sentative made it clear enough that hishong• is country action lid do the same. Abyssinia cannot in her defence. But still less certainly can Signor Mussolini count on' League inaction: Action is in fact becoming Mare probable 'as stateknen . pledged to . the Covenant meet each 'other face to face in the buildings whose doors, as they realise, may as well be locked and kept so if they. may everything decide fail now. If. Signor Mussolini chooser% e p . e y y veetry will be done to make his path easy to count the cost befOrc going forth to battle.
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