ADVANCE HALTED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 21, 6 November 1935, Page 5

ADVANCE HALTED

RAINS DESTROY ROADS AEROPLANES DROP SUPPLIES. ANOTHER IMPORTANT SURRENDER. ..- , i PETROL BECOMES PRECIOUS. SUFFICIENT FOR- SIX WEEKS.

| United Dress Association-Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.35 p.m.) 'LONDON, November 5. Though the present rains in Abyssinia are unseasonable and therefore not expected to continue, they are virtually cloudbursts, greatly damaging the new roads to Makale, resulting in the bogging of artillery and mechanised units. The Italians hope to continue the advance on Thursday. Meanwhile supplies are being dropped from aeroplanes. 'ltaly’s Danakil allies continue their southward advance in the direction of the Djibouti railway, which will not be attacked without reinforcements. The immediate result of .the Danakil progress is the submission to Italy of Dedjazmatch. Waldebrield, chief of the A gam a district, which is regarded as the most important surrender since 1 that of Ras Gougso and Aksum. Petrol is now more precious than water in thirst-ridden Massawa. The price in Italy is 5s 4d a gallon. The authorities fear that sanctions may cut off supplies, therefore the utmost expedition is used! in unloading supplies.. Present stocks at Asmara will suffice, for only six weeks’ extensive campaign. It is officially stated that the feuez Canal Company declares it is impossible to close the waterway, which must, under the 1888 convention, be open to all ships whether belligerent or not.

ITALIANS' DIFFICULTIES.

SUPPLIES AND ROADS NEEDED.

NOW STRAIGHTEiNING THE LINE

(Received This Day, 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, November 5.

A British United Press special cor-; respondent with the Italians says that General de Bono has ordered that the advance he halted to permit of bringing up supplies and road construction, which, is very difficult owing to the unseasonable rains. AYhen the roads are completed the thrust toward Makale will be resumed. Operations today and to-morrow will he limited to straightening the line. It is estimated that the advance covered 4300 square miles of Abyssinian territory. A communique from General de Bono issued from Rome records the occupation of Hauzien and other points, and adds: “The advance is very fast. The Abyssinians are fleeing before us. The troops are welcomed everywhere.

MORE PROSPECT OF FIGHTING.

LARGE CONCENTRATIONS SEEN. (Received This Day, 8.45 a.m.) LONDON, November 5. An Adowa message states that the Italians claim that, despite terrific thunderstorms, the advance is proceeding according to plan. A British United Press special correspondent with the Italians considei s the prospects of fighting are stronger, reconnoitring aeroplanes having sighted large bodies of Abyssinian troops with increasing frequency. It is expected that the enemy will attempt to harass the Italians’ movements. General de Bono is prepared for such a contingency, exploiting his mechanical superiority to the utmost.

WEALTH GIVEN TO NATION.

HAWARIAT’S PATRIOTIC ACT. LONDON, November 4. The Addis Ababa correspondent ot “The Times” says General Tecla Hawariat addressed the Emperor and Abyssinian leaders tor two hours. He described the European situation and the work of the Abyssinian delegation at Geneva, giy™6 high praise to the British policy, the Emperor paid keen attention. General Hawariat then took irom his pocket several thousand-franc notes and handed them to the Imperial treasurer, saying: “Here are all my savings since 1 began work in Paris. They are but the beginning of what I will give my country. Why keep one’s money and lose one’s independence?” Turning to the chieftains he urged them to do the same, explaining, “My diplomacy is over. Now I must fight. This money will buy arms.” ended with detailed advice u:i guerrilla warfare, emphasising that a fabian policy in warfare was vital to Abyssinia, in order to prolong the campaign until the next rains, when a mass' attack would be possible.