ATROCITY CHARGES BY SOMALI CHEFS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 46, 24 February 1936, Page 7

ATROCITY CHARGES BY SOMALI CHEFS.

STORIES RECOUNTED.

Big Gathering Addressed by Deserters from Italy.

VOWS AGAINST INVADER.

United Press Association.—-Copyright,

(Received 1.30 p.m.)

LONDON, February 23

A message from Addis Ababa states that Somaliland chiefs who deserted the Italian forces addressed a patriotic rally of tens of thousands of Moslems and Copts. They recounted stories of Italian atrocities.

The assemblage, after hearing the speeches of the leaders of all sects, pledged Christians and Mohammedans to unite in resisting the Abyssinian invaders. Geraznatcli (Commander) Johannes,, with 5000 men equipped with mountain artillery and anti-tank batteries, have departed to reinforce Ras Desta s Sidamo detachments, which are still effective because the occupied territory is unaffected by General Graziani's recent drive. Nevertheless, General Graziani s advance from southern Dolo toward Negelli renders their situation critical. A Rome dispatch says a message from Dolo claims that Italian airmen machine-gunned and destroyed an Abyssinian ammunition convoy of 7000 camels when fording the Webbe Gestro in Ogaden. In spite of the escorts' vigorous gun fire, the aeroplanes returned unharmed. ■ A telegram from Addis Ababa says it is reported there that the Italians have retired several miles in the Negelli sector owing to difficulty In supplying the mechanised units from Dolo. The Abyssinians are active at night time and ambushed an Italian cavalry patrol killing 11 men and wounding 18.

It is claimed that Black Shirt units have occupied two ridges in Mount Alaji, 40 miles south of Makalle. The summit itself would have been occupied if nightfall had not forced the troops to suspend the advance.

It is expected tliat the Italian flag will fly from the summit some time to day.

The Rome correspondent _ of "The Times" says General Babbini has been gazetted to the command of the 4tli Special Army Corps in Abyssinia, implying further changes in the military organisation.