CAPTURED AND SHOT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 116, 26 February 1937, Page 5

CAPTURED AND SHOT

FATE OF RAS DESTA. AFTER SEVERAL ESCAPES. GRAZiANI’S REPORT TO DUCE. 1 (United Press Association—Copyright.) (Received This Ray, 12.5 p.m.) ROME, February 25. An official statement says that Ras Desta, the Emperor’s son-in-law, whom the Emperor is reported to have favoured- to represent him at the coronation of King George, was rounded up by a flying column, captured and shot. He leaves a widow and seven children, at present in England with Haile Selassie In his report to Signor Mussolini, Marshal Graziani says that Ras ’>esta, in December, sent emissaries promising submission, hut it is believed he was only temporising while lie collected troops. Marshal Graziani recalls that Signor Mussolini ordered that a time limit of seven days 'be given for Ras Desta’s surrender. When that time expired Marshal Graziani took out an expedition and defeated Ras Desta, who, with a lieutenant, escaped until last week, when he was brought to action in Gamble Mariam. The others were killed, but Ras Desta again escaped until he was captured yesterday. Marshal Graziani adds: “I am proud to lay in the Duce’s hand complete victory, enabling the civil development of the empire without anxiety.”