SURRENDER ANNOUNCED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 185, 20 May 1941, Page 5

SURRENDER ANNOUNCED

THE DUKE OF AOSTA STAFF IN ABYSSINIA TROOPS AND WAR MATERIAL

(United Press Association-—Copyright } (Rec. 10.45 a.m.) LONDON, May 19. The Duke of Aosta (Italian Commander-in-Chief in Abyssinia) will personally surrender with his staff at noon to-morrow. This is the most important item in the Cairo communiqe issued today, describing widespread successful operations. The communique reads: “In Abyssinia, after allowing the Italian forces at Amba Alaga one full day in which to collect the wounded, the formal surrender of the whole forces in the area is taking place today. It is estimated that the prisoners will number 7000, together with considerable quantities of guns (and material. It has further been arranged, in compliance with his urgent request that he should bo the last to leave, that the Duke of Aosta, accompanied by General Trezzani and all the Duke’s personal staff officers, will surrender at noon to-morrow. “Units of the Sudan defence force, assisted by Patriots, captured an important position in the Gondar sector, inflicting senous damage on the enemy. Operations are proceeding satisfactorily. “In the southern areas our troops captured Dalle, an important road junction 35 miles south of Sciasciamanna, last briday. As a result of this successful operation vie captured 800 prisoners, including two colonels and a number of staff officers, two guns and two armoured cars. “In other sectors our general advance is continuing, despite heavy rain.”—British Official Wireless. The troops which were captured at Amba Alaga include Savoy Grenadiers and batteries of artillery. Later it was announced that a Rome communique admitted the surrender of Amba Alaga, and that the Duke of Aosta had been taken prisoner. The British accorded the gamson lull military honours.