A CLASH IMMINENT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 303, 5 October 1935, Page 5

A CLASH IMMINENT.

STRENGTH OF RIVAL FORCES.

PONTOONS ON FRONTIER RIVER,

ASMARA, October 4. General de Bono has proclaimed the opening of hostilities. The proclamation says that the Italian troops were ordered to cross the Mareb river to ensure the tranquility of the population. It accuses the Abyssinian Government of violating all treaties, and of murdering innocent shepherds in Eritrea —“Our faithful subjects and your brothers and sons.” The proclamation urges the population to remain calm and continue its normal occupations. “Woe to him who spreads false news and disturbs public order. I shall bo inexorable,” it states. The Italians crossed the frontier rivdr Mareb by pontoon bridges, as it was too swollen to be forded. The troops are in good spirits, and theirs is stated to he the largest and bestequipped army that has. African soil. Motor-lorries are chalked, “En route for Addis Ababa,” and the drivers and the soldiers are singing a song of which a free translation is: “We’ll make a little brush from whiskers of the Negus ti> polish the boots of Benito Mussolini.”

The Italians, whose forces in East Africa are estimated at 250,000 men, of whom 60,000 are natives, are advancing several columns at once. ‘The Abyssinians are believed to have stationed 350,000 men, to guard the northern districts, 18 miles from the frontier,” states the “Daily Mail” correspondent. “To-night all the prison doors in Abyssinia will be opened and 7000 convicts have been released to take up arms.”

MORE ITALIANS MOBILISED 15,000 MEN OR SERVICE LONDON, October 3. Tlio Rome correspondent of the United Press states Italy has mobilised another 15,000 men for service in East Africa.

LONG CAMPAIGN EXPECTED.

MAY LAST TWO YEARS

ROME, October 4

Rome was calm at the reception of the news of the attack. There is a general expectation of crushing Italian victories within four months, although the general view is that subjection of Abyssinia will take two years. The summoning of the council of

the League of Nations is much discussed. Although Signor Mussolini will not regard economic sanctions as a cause of war, they will probably result in Italy withdrawing from the league.