| Image | 
|
| Reference Number | LSE2215 |
| Alt Ref No | LSE2215 |
| Artist or Creator | David Low (1891-1963) |
| Title or Caption | On the throne of justice. |
| Extent | 1 item |
| Published by | Evening Standard |
| Date | 24 Jul 1935 |
| Format | Newspaper |
| Embedded text or transcript | International Law and Order
See no Abyssinia
Hear no Abyssinia
Speak no Abyssinia |
| Implied text | Sayings: The three wise monkeys embody the proverbial principle to "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". The three monkeys are Mizaru, covering his eyes, who sees no evil; Kikazaru, covering his ears, who hears no evil; and Iwazaru, covering his mouth, who speaks no evil. |
| Notes | Alongside Britain, France and Japan, Italy had been a permanent member of the Council of the League of Nations since the League was established. Despite this, in late 1934 Mussolini attacked Abyssinia (modern day Ethiopia). This was arguably in retalliation for the Italian defeat at Adowa in 1896, or a bid to expand Italian Imperial possessions in Africa. This was despite the fact that Italy's membership of the League required allegiance to the Covenant, which pledged non-aggression. The League's obligations should have been clear. Yet it was slow to act. In fact, many nations were working independently of the League to maintain alliance with Italy. France sought Italy as an ally against the growing threat of Hitler's Germany. Pierre Laval met Mussolini in Rome and brokered the Franco-Italian pact which essentially acknowledged Italy's claim to parts of Ethipia in return for support against Nazism. Britain was anxious about provoking Mussolini in the Mediterranean, as she was concerned about her naval bases (Gibraltar and Malta). As a result of these concerns Britain withdrew her navy from the Mediterranean, allowing Mussolini unchecked access. She also issued an arms embargo on both parties - to the grave detriment of Ethiopia whose military might was far inferior to that of Italy. The League's limited response encouraged Mussolini to mount a full-scale invasion in October 1935. |
| Subjects | Ethiopia |
| International relations |
| Italy |
| Law and order |
| Law enforcement |
| justice |
| scales of justice |
| three wise monkeys |
| thrones |
| war |
| Copyright holder | Associated Newspapers Ltd. / Solo Syndication |
| Copyright contact details | Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT solo@solosyndication.com |
| Relates to cartoon | LSE2215 |