The Waiwal Dispute The dispute between Italy and Abyssinia provokes
some misgivings, and the desirability of getting it squarely before the League of Nations increases. The latest Abyssinian note to Geneva is still hot in the form of a direct appeal to the League, but it embodies contentions —to the effect that the Waiwal region, where the -affray took place, has always been recognized as incontestably within Abyssinian territory—that deserve attention, and full amends to Italy are offered if the Abyssinian claim is proved by impartial examination to be unfounded. That is a reasonable attitude to adopt, and it would be profoundly unfortunate if at a moment when Italy is making notable endeavours to stabilize the peace of Europe she should take any steps in Africa which could -be regarded as arbitrary and unjustified. That has not happened yet, and in spite of suggestions in not altogether friendly quarters, there is no reason to believe that Signor Mussolini will decline to conform to the normal League of Nations procedure if the Abyssinian Govern-7 ment does invoke the League, as it would be wise to do. The danger is that public opinion in Italy may make difficulties out of a false idea of prestige.
Previous page
