NEWS OF THE WEEK
SIGNOR MUSSOLINI finds himself in a difficult situation, as his speech at Cagliari on Saturday indicates. Italian projects regarding Abyssinia un- doubtedly received a firm check at Geneva in May and credit was due to the Duce for the spirit in which he appeared to bow to the League's decision. But a dictator cannot afford to acknowledge checks to his own people. If there is a suspicion of one he must necessarily talk the louder, which is obviously what Signor Mussolini was doing in Cagliari when he expressed sharp resentment at British criticisms and declared that Italy would no more take account of the opinion of the world than Britain did when founding an Empire. No rejoinder to that is needed, but it' will be wise for Italy to mark well the fact that the first 'speeches of the new Prime Minister of Great Britain contained emphatic assurances that Great Britain's foreign policy was based on the League of Nations. The League Covenant is a treaty which both Britain and Italy have signed. It is fully as valid as the provisions which gave Italy tilt Southern Tyrol and Trieste. Great Britain will and must insist that the Covenant be kept in the dispute between Italy and Abyssinia. If Italy violates it, the consequences must be grave, though nothing will be gained, and much lost, by discussing them in any spirit of menace. France, fortunately, recognizes that this country is animated in the Abyssinian affair by no motive but support of the League, and the co-operation established between M. Laval and Mr. Eden at Geneva in May is not likely to be relaxed.
