STRENGTHENING THE FRONTIER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 299, 1 October 1935, Page 5

STRENGTHENING THE FRONTIER.

BOTH SIDES IN MOVEMENT.

OTHERWISE “MARKING TIME.” (Received This Day, 1.10 p.m.) , LONDON, September 30. From conflicting Tumours regarding the nearer approach of hostilities the fact emerges. that, apart from strengthening existing garrisons, particularly the frontier lines, both sides are more or less apprehensively marking time. Italy has mobilised 30,000 additional men, portion of whom will be devoted to manning several hundreds of new tanks, buit the Italian movements on the borders of Abyssinia, which sensationalists interpret as the prelude to an immediate outbreak of hostilities, merely amount to the consolidation of forces occupying bases at Assab, Asmara and AValwal. In view of the indefinite character of the frontier, none of these movements can be characterised as an actual invasion. They are at most, even in Abyssinian eyes, a campaign provocation in the hope of inducing the Abyssinians to assume the initiative in an attack on the Italians, thereby jjlacing the Emperor in the wrong. Ras Kassa,, the grand old man of the north, awaits an Italian attack with calm dignity. His armies muster 250,000 eager warriors, the majority of whom are skilled horsemen. Ras Kassa, who is an experienced strategist in savage warfare, is preparing for a campaign lasting two or three years, laying in ample supplies of food in underground! storage. He is sufficiently up to date to employ thrice weekly an aeroplane service to keep him in touch with the Emperor, who has given him n free hand in the conduct ,of the northern campaign. For what it is worth, Abyssinia has received a pledge of support from the Arabs who inhabit the mountains east of the Red Sea.