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Next came the Briton's main point in slow, heavy verbal blows: "The obligations of the [League] Covenant remain. . . . If the burden is to be borne, it must be borne collectively. If risks for peace are to be run, they must be run by all. The security of the many cannot be insured solely by the efforts of the few, however powerful they may be. On behalf of the British Government I can say that they will be second to none in their intention to fulfill within the measure of their capacity the obligations which the Covenant lays upon them. The ideals enshrined in the Covenant, particularly the aspiration to establish the rule of law in international affairs, have appealed with growing force to the strong idealism which has its place in our national character and they have become a part of our national conscience."
Though he never varied from his flat, toneless delivery, Sir Samuel at one point fairly electrified the Assembly when he raised his hand above his head and thrice slapped the tribune loudly as he repeated words and phrases, then struck a final slap for further emphasis. Said he: "Britain stands (slap!) for steady collective resistance (slap!) to all acts of unprovoked aggression (slap!). Steady collective resistance to all acts of unprovoked aggression (slap!)."
Main Bridge. With studied vagueness Sir Samuel spoke of possible action which the Great Powers might take to undercut the claims of nations which say they need colonies to supply them with raw materials. He threw out a hint that the chief colonial powers might pledge themselves perpetually never to refuse to sell to non-colonial powers whatever raw materials they may feel they need.
Finally the calm British Foreign Secretary pronounced what excited and wrathful Italians promptly called a "British blackmail threat to quit the League unless it takes action to restrain Il Duce." As suavely phrased by Sir Samuel Hoare, this verbal climax had no harsh or menacing ring: "It is to the principles of the League and not to any particular manifestation that the British nation has demonstrated its adherence. . . . I cannot believe that it [Britain's adherence] will be changed so long as the League remains an effective body and the main bridge between the United Kingdom and the Continent remains intact."
Quaking Ethiopian. Sir Samuel was followed on the assembly rostrum by Ethiopian Chief Delegate Bedjirond Tecla Hawariate who visibly quaked with nervousness and seemed to fear that Great Britain's august words would not avail much against Dictator Mussolini.
"I state at once," began Mr. Hawariate, "that I shall say nothing calculated to annoy anybody whatsoever. . . . We are a Christian people. . . . We are animated by a feeling of the greatest respect, even with regard to those who have declared themselves our adversaries. We recognize the high values they represent. . . . On behalf of His Majesty, the Emperor, I state he is prepared to accept any reasonable suggestion in the spirit of high conciliation by which he is moved. He is prepared to make the largest allowance for the demands of modern civilization and the legitimate interests of all nations."