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Outcry against Italy's behaviour
A ballot was taken by the League of Nations Union in Britain from 1934-1935. It showed a majority of British people supported the use of military force to defend Abyssinia if necessary. However the League never actually did anything to discourage Mussolini. -
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Mussolini
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Phase 1- The League plays for time.
IN this period Mussolini was supposedly negotiating with the League to setlle the dispute, while at the same time he was shipping his vast army to Africa and whipping up war fever among the Italian people - he was preparing for a full-scale invasion of Abyssinia -
The Stresa Pact
Britain and France failed to take the situation seriously. Playing for time, they were desperate to keep good relations with Mussolini who was their strongest ally against Germany. In early 1935 they signed an agreement withMussolini called the Stresa Pact which formalised a protest at German rearmament and a commitment to stand united against Germany. -
Mussolini rejects League's offer
fter eight months' deliberation a committee reported to the League that neither side could be held responsible for the Wal-Wal incident. -
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Phase 2- Sanctions or not ?
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Mussolini's army ready
He launched a full-scale invasion of Abyssinia. The Abysinian's resisted but were no match for Italy's superior army.The League was idealy placed tp deal with the situation. -
Committee formed
A commmittee was immediatley set up to agree what sanctions to impose against Italy. -
Suez canal
Seuz canal not closed to Mussolini's supply ships.