PUSHING AHEAD

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 20, 5 November 1935, Page 5

PUSHING AHEAD

ITALIAN MOVEMENTS

THE FLANKS WELL PROTECTED.

NATIVE TROOPS ON HEIGHTS.

EXPECTATION OF RESISTANCE.

BOMBS FAIL AT RADIO STATION

(United Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.1*5 a.m.) ASMARA, November 4. After the occupation of Hauzien, General Biroli’s Askaris (native troops) whose flanks, in accordance with the systematic plan of advance, were well protected, occupied heights to the south-west, while General Santini’s Black Shirts crowned those to the south-east.

General Santini’s main force is pushing on along via Inglese. This means that the Italian advance guards are well south of Hauzien, dominating the highlands above Gheralta. The populace of Mender, south-east of Hauzien, welcomed the incoming Black Shirts. The Sabfinda Division, portion of General Santini’s command, supports the advance toward Amha Alagi, where definite resistance Is prophesied. The usual rumours prevail regarding an impending Italian offensive in the Ogaden area, hut the only definite news is that the Gorahai field wireless station is still functioning, despite the discharge of 1000 bombs from Italian aeroplanes. The military writer of the “ Daily ' Telegraph” (Major A. C. Temperley), summing up, says that the Italians, after a month’s warfare, have advanced, practically unopposed, sixty miles. A prolonged period will be required for consolidation when Makale is reached. The rate of advance is no reflection on the staff or the troops. It merely indicates intense caution, caused by the unforgotten lesson of 1896.

ITALIAN ADVANCE RESUMED.

MIDGET TANKS IN THE VAN.

GREETED BY THE VILLAGERS. (Received This Day, 11.50 a.m.) ASMARA, November 4. The Italian line yesterday advanced 15 miles, the Abyssinians retiring before the Italians, who resumed thenmovement at dawn to-day, midget tanks advancing ahead of the columns. Villagers waving white flags, and women shrieking “Welcome!” greet the troops. , , . . Large herds of cattle that’ have been carefully concealed are brought out and sold to the Italians. Officials at Addis Ababa admit that once the Italians reach Makale resistance can be no longer delayed.

further advance yesterday

CONVERGING COLUMNS MEET. (Received This Day, 2 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 4. Mr Fuller, in the “Daily Mail,” says that despite heavy rams, the Italians advanced a further 13 miles to-day, two converging columns meeting within 20 miles of Makale.

ITALIAN AIR BOMBARDMENT.

WOMEN AND CHILDREN KILLED

(Received This Day, 9.30 a.m.) ADDIS ABABA, November 4. Thirty women and 15 children are reported to have been killed in an intensive Italian air bombardment near Gorahai.

“WILL SMASH INTO VICTORY.”

MUSSOLINI’S DECLARATION.

AUDIENCE LAOKIS ENTHUSIASM

(Received This Day, 9.30 a.m.) ROME, November 4. “Italy will smash in to victory,” declaimed Signor Mussolini to the crowd that was celebrating the anniversary of the Armistice, hut despite the customary shouts of “II Duce!” he did not have a notably enthusiastic response. The assemblage seemed pensive, partly on account of rain and partly owing to the realisation of the plodding natuie of the Italian advance in Abyssinia, as a result of which the usual enthusiasm failed to characterise the celebrations. The populace is beginning to realise that the time and money required to complete the campaign may ho more than Italy can afford.