NEWS OF THE WEEK
THE military situation in Abyssinia, discussed in detail' On a later page of this issue, is at present static. Diplomatic movements at Geneva on the other hand have been swift and firm. The declaration by the League of Nations COuncil last Monday that Italy had resorted to ivar in disregard of its covenants under Article XII of the League Covenant was sufficient in itself to bring Article XVI—the sanctions article—into Play, and throw on every member of the League the duty to take steps to deprive Italy of the means of Continuing her, aggression. Nevertheless it was mani- fest wisaom to call the Assembly delegates together again to confirm the Council's decision and pledge their countries to co-operation in the necessary action. Two States, Austria and Hungary, have preferred not to associate themselves with the general decision. Austria is in a peculiarly difficult position, with her government maintained by Italian support and her economic position dependent largely on trade with Italy. Yet Austria's Only salvation is in the collective system. Hungary has less ground for dissenting from the Council's decision, and the attitude of her delegate at Geneva did not make a favourable impression. But the fact that expressions of hesitation and dissent have been publicly invited makes the silence of those States which refrain from availing themselves of the opportunity more im- pressive.
