ITALIAN BASES ABLAZE IN AFRICA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 177, 27 July 1940, Page 9

ITALIAN BASES ABLAZE IN AFRICA.

BRITISH RAIDS

Blenheims Score Direct Hits On Enemy 'Dromes. FUTILE GIBRALTAR ATTACK. | United Association.—Copyright". (Reeoivc<l noon.) LONDON, July 20. A Cairo communique says Italian 'planes bombed Mersa Matruh (Egypt) six times to-day. There were four casualties, a workshop was slightly damaged and a small petrol dump was set. on fire. Valuab'o reconnaissance flights were carried out by aircraft of the South African Air Force in the Moyale district. and motor transport was attacked on the Moyale-Buna Road, direct hits being registered on a number of lorries, says a British official wireless message. An R.A.F. communique says that while raiding a storage depot as Massawa (Eritrea) R.A.F. bombers encountered strong anti-aircraft fire and fighter defences, but the bombs fell on the target in a cluster. One building was demolished. All the 'planes returned safely. Blenheims carried out four raids at M"cata and Assab (Eritrea), attacking the aerodrome, hangars and naval barracks. A direct hit was secured on the hangars at Macaca, resulting in a cloud of smoke rising 1000 ft. Alexandria Raided Again. "One was killed and seven were wounded in an Italian raid on Alexandria yesterday," says a naval communique. "A few bombs were dropped indiscriminately, and slight damage was caused." Nairobi communiques report quiet days yesterday and to-day, according to the British official wireless. Aircraft carried out reconnaissances in the Elwak area, and a small concentration of enemy troops, with a few motor vehicles, was destroyed. No movements of note were observed to-day. The War Office announces that Gold Coast and Nigerian troops arrived in East Africa some days ago. '"The Times" correspondent at Cairo says Abyssinians from all over the world arc gradually converging in the Sudan to join Haile Silassie. Notable generals have left their refuge in Palestine to support the Negus. Strong bands of guerillas who for months have been raiding Italian caravans and outposts are rallying to the Emperor. 'Planes Over Gibraltar. Enemy 'planes bombed various parts of Gibraltar this morning, but there were no casualties and only slight damage. Anti-aircraft guns drove off aeroplanes over Gibraltar three times yesterdav.

A Rome communique says an Italian bombimr formation carried out a long night flight and effectively bombed the naval base at Gibraltar. All the 'planes returned to their bases.

The Rome rarlio asserted that large fires could be seen from great distances after tho raid on Gibraltar. 'Planes attacked ships, fortifications, oil tanks and liarbour depots, causing numerous fires in the harbour and dry docks.

A restriction on bread served in restaurants is announced in Rome. It is announced that beof, veal, pork and mutton will not be available on Tuesdays. Only rabbits or entrails may be eaten on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The Italian Ministry of Agriculture reports that corn, rice, potatoes and beans promise an exceptionally favourable harvest.

CURFEW IN ANTWERP.

DISTRIBUTION OF LEAFLETS. (Received 12.30 p.m.) LOXDOST, July 26. A Brussels message states that the Germans have imposed a curfew in Antwerp between 11 p.m. and 0 a.m. It is revealed that political leaflets were distributed in Antwerp recently.

BOUNDARY ACCORD.

MANCHUKUO AND SOVIET.

TOKYO, July 26.

Delegations from !Manchukuo and the Soviet will meet on August 1 in China to enforce the boundary accord over the demarcation of the Manchukuo frontier reached on June 9 between Russia and Japan.