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The continuation of His Majesty's speech at the League of Nations in 1936.
It was on the 4th of September 1935 that the Italian memorandum was handed to the Council. But the Ethiopian memorandum, its first appeal, is dated 14th December 1934. Between these two dates the Italian Government insisted that the matter should only be determined according to the wording laid down in the 1928 treaty between Ethiopia and Italy, meaning to prevent the problem from coming before the Council. Throughout
this time Italian soldiers were continually being dispatched in the direction of East Africa. The Italian Government, concealing its secret intentions, informed the Council that the reason for the dispatch of troops was that they were needed for defence, as the Ethiopian Government, by its military preparations, was causing anxiety to the Italian colonies in the area. The Ethiopian Government repeatedly drew attention to the fact that, quite to the contrary, the Italian Government, left no doubt as to their hostile intentions, as can indeed be seen from the official speeches delivered in Italy.
From the beginning of the dispute the Ethiopian Government has sought to settle the matter by peaceful means. It has requested that the problem be looked into under the provisions of the League's covenant. As, however, the Italian Government desired that the matter be looked at only under the procedures laid down in the Italo-Ethiopian treaty of 1928, the Ethiopian Government accepted this. The latter also declared that, even if the arbitrators failed to find in its favor, it would carry out the conditions of the verdict with good-will. When Italy remained adamant that they will not allow the arbitrators to look into the question of the ownership of Walwal, Ethiopia accepted this as well. The Ethiopian Government requested the Council to send to the country neutrals who should investigate this matter; and it also declared its preparedness to accept any inquiry upon which the Council may wish to decide. The Italian Government, on its part, presented to the Council, once the Walwal problem had been settled by arbitration, a detailed memorandum to request freedom to be able to do what it pleased. It asserted that there was nothing appropriate laid down in the League's covenant to settle the whole problem concerning Ethiopia. It further announced that, since the matter was of vital interest to Italy, and was a primary requirement for its own security, Italy would be neglecting its most elementary duty, unless it entirely removesd its confidence from Ethiopia and obtained full freedom to carry out what was necessary to safeguard its own interests and to protect its colonies.
These then are the terms of report which the committee of thirteen nations presented.The Council and the General Assembly announced unitedly and openly that the Italian Government was the aggressor and was in breach of the League's covenant. ( TO BE CONTINUED ).
The journey of life continues. Take the best care of yourself and your people.
Again I send many oceans of blessings and self determination to African people everywhere.
ONE BLACK HEART ONE BLACK LOVE.
Baba Ras Marcus.
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