What is the cartoonist suggesting about the League... the Japanese Army... John Simon and the other western diplomats?

The Abyssinian Crisis Aim: To find out how the League dealt with the Italian invasion of Abyssinia

This cartoon by the British cartoonist David Low attacks the weakness of the League in the face of Japan. A Japanese soldier walks all over the League, while League officials bow to him and the British foreign secretary John Simon powders the League's nose using a 'face-saving kit'.

Background Abyssinia was an African country that had not yet been made a European colony. It had good farmland and many minerals. In 1896, Italian troops invaded Abyssinia, but were beaten at the Battle of Adowa. In 1928, Italy signed a treaty of friendship with Abyssinia. In the 1930s, it became clear that the Italian dictator, Mussolini, was preparing to go to war to take Abyssinia

Mussolini and the League of Nations, January – October 1935 The League did not want a clash with Mussolini. Britain and France wanted him to be their ally against Hitler in Germany. Mussolini decided that neither the League nor Britain and France would act if he took Abyssinia.

Italy attacks Abyssinia, October 1935 In October 1935, Italy invaded Abyssinia. The Italians used modern weapons, including tanks, planes and poison gas. The Abyssinians did not have weapons like these. The only hope was their Emperor, Haile Selassie, and an appeal to the League of Nations.

The League’s response This was clearly a case of the strong invading the weak. The League should have defended Abyssinia. The first step, according to the League’s Covenant, was economic sanctions. The League set up a committee to decide on sanctions.

What the League decided to do 1.The sale of weapons and some goods to Italy was banned. 2.No League member was to buy Italian goods or lend Italy money. But: 1.Vital oil and coal were still sold to Italy, to protect US and British trade. 2.Italian ships were still allowed to use the Suez Canal 3. Mussolini’s main supply route to Abyssinia.

The Hoare – Laval Pact Meanwhile, the British and French foreign ministers, Hoare and Laval, drew up a plan to end the war. They suggested that Abyssinia should be split into two. Italy would get the best area for farming and minerals. Halie Selassie would get the poor, mountainous land. The plan was leaked to the press and there was a huge outcry. Britain and France were clearly putting their interests ahead of the interests of the League, Hoare and Laval were forced to resign. This damaged the League’s reputation.

Mussolini triumphs The Italians continued fighting in Abyssinia. In May 1936, they captured the capital city, Addis Ababa. Haile Selaisse managed to escape to Geneva and appealed to the League for more help. The next step for the League would be to gather an army to turn Mussolini out of Abyssinia. The League did nothing.

Task In pairs, you are the leaders of either France, Britain, Italy or Abyssinia. Decide how you feel about the invasion of Abyssinia by Italy. What does this mean for your country? How do you feel about the League of Nations? Answer these questions by writing a short speech in which you deliver in front of the League.

Example: Abyssinia I am outraged by this attack on our country. We had signed a peace treaty in 1928 and now Mussolini is going back on his word. Facist! Our country is rich in minerals and goods, we want to be able to use them to our advantage, not Italy’s! This is disastrous for our country as many men have also been killed. The League of Nations? This ‘organisation’ does nothing for us small countries. It is a waste of money, time and effort. Damn the League!