The Future of Abyssinia
The question of the Government's attitude to the future of Abyssinia, recently raised by Miss Margery Perham and others, has been promptly dealt with by Mr. Eden in a statement in the House of Commons. Having said that the Government would welcome the reappearance of an independent Ethiopian State and recognise the claim of the Emperor Haile Selassie to the throne, he added that any assistance in economic and political matters that the Emperor might need should be the subject of international arrangement at the conclusion of peace. The British Government has " no territorial ambitions in Abyssinia." That is a wise and timely declaration. It is of the utmost importance that this country should not be open to any accusation that it is making war to promote its own Imperial ends. The Emperor will undoubtedly need help in his future task of creating order among the tribesmen; but the British Government disavows in advance any intention of seeking to establish a British protectorate ; and Mr. Eden promises that any temporary measures of military guidance which the conduct of the war may require will come to an end as soon as the situation permits. Even at an early stage, and before the final conclusion of peace, it would be worth while to adopt Miss Perham's suggestion, and associate some non- British persons with those who are advising the Emperor.
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