RAVAGES OF WAR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 243, 14 October 1935, Page 7

RAVAGES OF WAR.

Refugees in Pitiful Flight Reach Harrar. FIGHTING IN OGADEN. LONDON, October 13. The Harrar correspondent of the British United Press reported yesterday that tho Ogaden front was aflame. Italian bombers were destroying villages and tho artillery was dritm-firing. Abyssinian rifle fire rippled down scattered lines at the infantry who are advancing tip the River Webbe Shibeli, gradually forcing the defenders from precious waterholes and driving wedges from the north and from the south between the three main defending forces. Survivors from the fighting zone declared that the Italians were rising gas and chemicals and laying waste the country. Refugees in a pitiful state are streaming into Harrar. They declare that tho assailants are not attempting to locate tho defenders but are bombing recklessly in the hope of smashing the Abyssinian morale. They assert that many women and children have been killed. The correspondent added that the Italians heavily bombed from tho air and set fire to an old castle and 1' ort Dagnerc, adjoining the fortified village of Dega Banko. Both are on the left bank of the Webbe Sliibeli River, a strategic position overlooking a plain. General Nasibu, Governor of Harrar. declared that before the Italians conquer that area they will have to kill everyone. It is thought that a decisive battle on the Ogaden front is imminent. A message from Rome says the Italians are only 50 miles from Harrar. Earlier news from the Somaliland front indicated that the oflensive was stationary, the Italians being on the defensive, though further desertions of Abyssinians were announced. The Italian preparations for their advance in the south were being continued, but no concerted movement was expected for a fortnight.