ITALY STRIKES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 261, 4 November 1935, Page 7

ITALY STRIKES.

"PUSH" ON ALL FRONTS. THREE ARMY CORPS IN NORTH. DAY'S OBJECTIVES REPORTED GAINED. United Press Association.—Copyright.—Rec. 11 a.m. ROME, November 3. A communique states that troops have resumed the offensive on all fronts. Advance columns are proceeding to Dolo (Tigre) and Makalle, while columns are also carrying out an action in Ogaden. Air reconnaissance is active everywhere. "The whole real thing at last," triumphantly declares the Italian Press, describing the general advance on the northern front. The British United Press special correspondent with the Italians states that the movement began at daybreak. Three army corps with two Black Shirt divisions, comprising 125,000, are participating. Tanks and Askari troops form the advance guard as scouting and bombing planes search for the enemy troop concentrations. Signor Mussolini's two sons are among the pilots. The Italians are carrying 450 pieces of artillery and 3000 machine guns. The object of the advance, which is the most ambitious the Italians have undertaken, is the occupation of the southern area of Tigre and Makalle, the first goal, is expected to be occupied by noon to-morrow. The front extends over 100 miles. Mechanised units and supplies are moving over roads which have been constructed in the past fortnight. Early reports indicate that the Abyssinian rearguard is offering stiff resistance. General Santini's column is advancing on the right flank, General Biroli's native troops in the centre front, and General Maravigna's column, which is protecting the left flank, are reported to be operating without difficulty. Far out to the left is a fourth column commanded by General Mariotti, which is advancing simultaneously. It consists of Askari troops and a large number of Danakil tribesmen, estimated at 20,000, who deserted to the Italians. Administering Occupied Country. "The Times" Asmara correspondent says the Italians are moving with the greatest deliberation, avoiding the risk of incidents liable to contradict the impression that their advance is irresistible. Colonial officials accompany each army corps in order to organise the administration of the occupied territory and to ration the stren<f>h. General Biroli's divisions easily captured Hauzien and made contact with the main force. General Santini's right wing is based on Adowa and driving southward to the bend of the Takazze River near Kammal in order to protect the flank of the main advance. Ras Seyoum is believed to be holding the country behind the bend. , s A subsidiary force, moving from Massawa southwards, covers the main advance from an attack from Danakil country. The British United Press Asmara representative says the Italians claim that the first wave advance reached all the day's objectives.