765.84/3132: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 18—8:15 p.m.]
665. At a public meeting of the Council this afternoon the President referred to the receipt by the Council of the Paris proposals and said that while no reply has been received from either Italy or Abyssinia a letter asking that the Assembly be summoned, as well as a declaration “not constituting a reply” had been received from Abyssinia. As the Council was due to meet today the President of the Assembly had stated that a decision could not be taken on the Abyssinian request until after the Council’s deliberations.
2. Eden then made a declaration defending the effort made by Paris and London to formulate “a basis of discussion”, stating that “even if this attempt is to be unsuccessful the essential importance of conciliation remains.” He concluded by saying that if it transpires that the Paris proposals do not satisfy the “essential conditions of agreement by the two parties and the League, His Majesty’s Government could not continue to recommend or support them.”
3. Laval followed with a brief statement to the effect that the Anglo-French proposals were inspired by a desire to seek a friendly settlement “in conformity with the letter and spirit of the Covenant.”
In conclusion, he declared that if the attempt was not approved by all parties concerned “the Council would not be relieved of the duty incumbent on it to neglect no means of attaining a just and honorable solution for the present dispute.”
4. The Abyssinian delegate then made a lengthy address outlining juridical reasons for his country’s position that, while she would raise no point of jurisdiction between the Council and the Assembly, she was determined to have her voice heard by the League; that until the League had studied the proposal[s] she would make no reply to them. He, incidentally, pleaded for assistance in obtaining war material for defensive purposes.
5. The Council adjourned without fixing the date for its next meeting.
6. I am informed that press agencies are carrying the Eden and Laval statements in full, and the substance of the Abyssinian speech.