Relations with Italy The fact that the Anglo-Italian Agreement entered
into force on Wednesday means primarily that Great Britain recognises formally the Italian conquest of Abyssinia. That has long been inevitable, even though the conquest is far from complete, and it will in no way change the existing situation. In so far as the ratification of the agreement relaxes tension between the two countries—of which there is little sign so far—it will have a certain value, but it can only be regarded at present as representing a bargain of which one side has been largely unfulfilled. An essential condition of the entry into force of the agreement was the achievement of a settlement in Spain. There has obviously been no settlement in any ordinary sense of the word. The with- drawal of io,000 Italian infantry has no appreciable effect on the military position. The Government armies are still being battered to pulp by bombs from Italian aeroplanes and Lord Halifax has admitted that Signor Mussolini has made it clear throughout that he regards the victory of General Franco indispensable. If that is the best settlement British diplomacy has been able to secure it is a result that inspires little enthusiasm.
