RESISTANCE ENDS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 104, 4 May 1936, Page 7

RESISTANCE ENDS.

• EMPEROR DEPARTS.

Sudden Change of Mind Causes

Surprise. BELIEVED DISLOYALTY. United Press Association.—Copyright. LONDON, May 3. Earlier dispatches rrom Addis Ababa stated that the Emperor, Haile Silassie, had fled from the capital. In view of the announcement he had made earlier that he would resist the Italians who were approaching Addis Ababa, there was some scepticism in regard to the reports that he had left and was on his way to Jibouti, French Somaliland. However, a message received in official quarters in London from Sir Sidney Barton, British Minister to Abyssinia, confirmed the news that the Emperor and the members of the Royal Family left early yesterday morning by train for Jibouti. Their eventual destination was not known. The flight of the Emperor led to disorders, shooting and looting in the capital. The military guard in the barbed-wire compound of the British Legation has been strengthened and food and water supplies have been taken in. The compound will accommodate 3000 people. It is understood that British nationals, including Indians, Somalis and 30 white people probably are under protection in the compound now. It is four miles from Addis Ababa. The Emperor interviewed Sir Sidney Barton before his flight, which was not at Sir Sidney's suggestion. Haile Silassie did not authorise him to act as an intermediary.

The British Minister has not made plans for leaving Addis Ababa.' It is possible that the arriving Italians may ask the Ministers of the foreign legations, including the British, to leave or the British may decide to leave, as Italian government of the city would be difficult for the British to recognise. The news of the Emperor's flight is regarded in London as the end of organised resistance. Whether, having left, he is still head of the State of Abyssinia in an awkward question. Emperor for Palestine? The Paris correspondent of the British United Press says the French Government has been officially informed that Haile Silassie will arrive at Jibouti on Sunday to board a British ship en route to Palestine, where he will be out of reach of the Italians and also near Abyssinia if his presence there is needed. He will reside in France if forced into exile. It is emphasised that the Emperor lias not abdicated, but that his Ministers are empowered to negotiate in his absence. On the other hand, according to the diplomatic correspondent of the "Sunday Times," Haile Silassie definitely has abdicated and transferred control to his Ministers. The Emperor's sudden change of mind was due to men on whom he was relying for further efforts refusing to fight.

Moreover, the Emperor was compelled to recognise that his personal safety might be endangered in journeying through a somewhat unfriendly portion of Abyssinia before he could reach a point wliere fresh resistance could be organised. It was believed that when Addis Ababa fell Marshal Badoglio, who then would control twothirds of Abyssinia, would cease hostilities and demand the submission of the chieftains, who presumably will surrender.

A message from Rome, says the newspaper "II Tevere," asserts that Addis Ababa is likely to be occupied by the Italians to-day. A communique from Marshal Badoglio mentions the overcoming of considerable difficulties in the northern advance and confirms the capture of a large quantity of war material at Mount Termaber, north of Ihe capital.

The people of Italy are breathlessly waiting to celebrate the fall of Addis Ababa. Marshal Badoglio is moving np from Dessye to participate in the triumphal entry of his troops.