Amid the grimness of the crisis over Abyssinia, Mr. F. W, Riccett's concession may have aroused unfortunate suspicions—which were quickly and effectively allayed—but also provided much-needed comic relief. Some of this honour wes unconseious—such as the delicate aversion of other newspapers and the ews agencies from emphasizing the fact that the "Daily Telegraph" ws responsible for disclosing Mr. Rickett's adventure to a wondering world, But the circumstances of the deal eng-meered by a British Master of Foxhounds on behalf of an American Jeyndicate tickled the fancy of the commentators. On this point the "Morning Post" allowed itself to be satirical:
For it appets from the story that Mr."Rickett is acting not for. Beitish but for an "American company. The African Expioltation and Develop: ment Corporation is registered in the State of Delaware. "if it had. been
of have been surprised, for the whole realiered at Hoiywood "we should tory has, the romantic savour of the finema. "The firn " producer cot ake an admirable scene of the mi: hight negotiations in the Gusky cou the concession hunter, assisted by Mr. Everett Andrews Colton, "American Financial Adviser tothe Emperor, ing. the monarch of the fin fnelal (and. political) advantages of Such an arrangement such aerials and Great Britain could be engaged {o support so magnificent an arrange ment for Uemselves or their subjects Perhaps Hollywood will take the hint jand when this present trouble. is lover engage Mr. Rickett—preferobly hunting pink—to play the lead in 4 suitably decorative cinema. Introduction of the essential Jove interest may present some difculties, but Hollywood can be trusted to "deal with them. After all, Ethiopia is the country of the Queen of Sheba. Could Garbo want more?'
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.