ITALIAN SUCCESS MINIMISED

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21715, 24 February 1936, Page 11

ITALIAN SUCCESS MINIMISED

Abyssinian Leader Explains STRATEGIC RETREAT FROM LAST BATTLE (united press association—copyhight.) (Received February 23, 7.35 p.m.) DESSIE, February 21. Replying to special enquiries, Ras Mulugheta explained the tactacs at Enderta, pointing out that he ordered a strategic retreat from February 12 to February 14, realising that the enemy was planning a big attack. The Italian advance guards noticed the movement and attacked immediately, forcing the battle.

Ras Mulugheta claims that 1500 Eritreans deserted with arms and ammunition on the night of February 16, and that the total Abyssinian killed in the series of local engagements from February 12 to February 17 is not more than 150. A later message says that Ras Mulugheta, amplifying his explanation, says that he ordered the retreat because Amba Aradam was approachable from the east and from the west. Occupation of it would cut off his food supply. He asserts that the Abyssinian losses were 147 killed and 268 wounded, the Italian losses being far heavier. The Rome correspondent of "The Times" says that General Babbini has been gazetted to the Fourth Special Army Corps in Abysssinia, implying further changes in the military organisation.

Ras Mulugheta's communique was hailed at Addis Ababa with great relief. It is considered that he conducted a skilful retreat in the face of vastly superior numbers.

The news that Ras Kassa had communicated freely both with Ras Mulugheta and Dessie is regarded as proving the falsity of Marshal Badoglio's assertion that the Italian advance had cut off Ras Mulugheta's communications with Abyssinian western forces.

It is now learnt that one of the achievements of Ras Mulugheta's retreat was the maintenance of contact with his supply train, which otherwise would have been cut off by two Italian army corps converging on Antalo from the north-west and north-east.

Colonel Reul, military adviser to Emperor Haile Selassie, is at present ori leave in Belgium. He considers that Italian reports of Abyssinian losses are vastly exaggerated. Nevertheless, losses are heavier than necessary through the impossibility of restraining Abyssian troops when actall'y confronting the enemy.

MOUNTAIN ASSAULT

ITALIANS ANTICIPATE VICTORY (Received February 23, 9.40 p.m.) LONDON, February 22. Messages from Rome claim that blackshirt units occupied the Amba Alagi ridge, 40 miles south of Makale, on two sides. The summit itself would have been occupied if nightfall had not forced the troops to suspend the advance. It is expected that the Italian flag will fly from the summit some time to-day.

ROME CLAIMS ADVANCE

COMMUNICATIONS IMPROVED (Received February 23, 7.5 p.m.) ROME, February 21. It is officially stated in Rome that, while Abyssinian smoke signals announce their unresisted advance, General Santini's First Army Corps, of 20,000 men, comprising the Sabauda and Sila blackshirt divisions, occupied 1180 additional square miles of territory, including-Aderat, Adiadera, and Buia plain, and Mounts Gomolo and Graajam, roughly 16 to 22 miles south of Makale and 15 miles from Amba Alagi. This straightens out a dangerous bend in the Italian salient, improving communications.

ITALIAN RETIREMENT REPORTED

(Received February 23, 8.50 p.m.) ADDIS ABABA, February 22. It is reported that the Italians retired for several miles in the Negelli sector because of a difficulty in supplying the mechanised units from Dolo. The Abyssinians, active at night, ambushed an Italian cavalry patrol, killing 11 and wounding 13.

AMMUNITION CONVOY DESTROYED

(Received February 23, 9.31 p.m.) ROME, February 22. A message from Dolo claims that aeroplanes machine-gunned and destroyed an Abyssinian ammunition convoy of 700 camels fording a river. . In spite of the escort's vigorous fire the aeroplanes returned unharmed.