After Paris came Rome. About the naval agreement there seems
to have been less difficulty in reassuring Signor Mussolini, who does not have to consider Press opinion, and is mainly intent on securing British co- operation in the matters that concern Italy. He can appreciate Britain's desire for a naval understanding, and her desire for an Air Pact ; and what he wanted to be assured about was that Great Britain, in seeking French and Italian co-operation, was also ready to co- operate in smoothing the problems of the Danubian Conference, which especially concerns Italy, and the East European Pact, dear to the French. It is to Mr. Eden's credit that he did not allow the Abyssinian question to be shelved, and stated the British view. This is all to the good, even if his own specific proposals have been rejected. Indeed it looks as if in this matter Signor Mussolini has been uncompromising. It will be necessary to make it clear that even where a friend so close as Italy is concerned, and even in a case where Italy's support is of the utmost importance to Europe, Great Britain cannot go back on allegiance to the League of Nations, of which Abyssinia is a member. That is a fact which Italy must be required to take into con- sideraticn. This may well prove a vital test matter in the history of the League, showing the measure of support which its best friends are prepared to give. No European settlement can be acceptable to this country which is directly or indirectly prejudicial to the League ; and Italian co-operation would be bought far too dearly if it left Italy free to do irreparable damage to the League by making war on Abyssinia. * *
