Soldiers for Hire (cartoon), Falastin, July 26, 1936.

Mussolini invaded Ethiopia in September 1935. The League of Nations recognized the validity of Ethiopia’s case but didn’t impose sanctions on Italy. Great Britain and France attempted to achieve a diplomatic solution, but otherwise failed to support Ethiopia.

Emperor of Ethiopia– Since you have morally failed me, what about a few battalions, and what are your terms?

John Bull– Sorry…you are a little too late; all my spare battalions are now hired by the Jews in Palestine…