IN FIGHTING ZONE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 71, 6 January 1936, Page 5

IN FIGHTING ZONE

ITALIANS HELD IN CHECK.

ABYSSINIANS' BETTER POSITION. LAWRENCE'S METHODS RECALLED. (United Press Association— Copyright.) LONDON, Jan. 4. "The Times," 'in a leading article, says: "Long before Signor Mussolini announced on December 31 that there would be 'indispensable pauses' in Italy's advance, it was clear that the invasion of Abyssinia had been halted. Its effective resumption may not even be in prospect, and the initiative has passed, to the Abyssinians, who have effectively exploited it. Something ominously significant to the Italians may be occurring, as is indicated by the outflanking of their advanced posts at Maitimchet, compelling them to withdraw nearer their base. Apparently the Abyssinians have captured Addi Abbi, although the Italians have halted the enemy's further advance.

"The Abyssinians' tactics in imposing the longest possible passive defence on the enemy recall Lawrence of Arabia's methods, for which Nature provides the requisite space in Abyssinia. The more the Abyssinians distribute their efforts without over-committing "themselves at any one point, the more they can effectively utilise their mobility a fid surprise, spreading a debilitating inflammation throughout the Italian system. "Air craft have enabled the invaders to check many ominous Abyesinian leads and to avoid the collapse which is ever awaiting those whose forces are strung out and whose nerves are strung up." THE ITALIAN CASUALTIES. 390 REPORTED AS DEAD. (Received This Day, 1.30 p.m.) ROME, January 5. It is officially announced that the Italian casualties in the East African military forces up to December 31 were 390 dead and 14 missing, while of 61,000 workers, 259 died and 11,338 were repatriated for health reasons or because their contracts had terminated.