ABYSSINIAN ARMY MOVEMENTS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21734, 17 March 1936, Page 11

ABYSSINIAN ARMY MOVEMENTS

ITALIAN CLAIMS DENIED LINES OP COMMUNICATION RAIDED (tmTiD Fiiss mociATiox— corouaxt.) (Received March 16, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. March 15. It is now clear that Italy’s claims to defeating Ras Kassa, Ras Seyouxn, and Ras Imru were grossly exaggerated. Ras Kassa’s and Ras Seyoum’s forces are intact in .western Tembien, and Ras Imru’s is not only intact and sound, but has avoided contact with the enemy and is ranging west and north of Aksum. Dedjazmatch Ayelou, the ; ablest northern commander, has recrossed the Takkaze river to watch the process of the Italian invasion in northwestern Abyssinia. The Emperor admits the Italian advance, but denies that it was accompanied by the defeat of Abyssinian troops. A possible exception to this was the force of Ras Mulugheta, who, misunderstanding his instructions, held out too long and withdrew too far. General headquarters did not accord him the customary obituary honours. He cut a vyay through Antalo and Scelicot in a retreat that was accompanied by great slaughter. A European eye-witness counted 1500 dead Alpini (Italian mountain troops). Dedjazmatch Wodaju, of Dessie, hearing a false report of the Emperor Haile Selassie’s death, retreated after Ras Mulugheta to Amba Alagi. Mulugheta, north of it, ordered the retirement of Ras Bidoded and Ras Makonnen, who refused and entered the Makale road behind the Italian Third Army Corps and successfully raided beyond Antalo. All the Italian detachments are guarding communications. Ras Kabada, commanding RasMulugheta’s and Ras Bidoded’s armies, well supplied with arms and food, occupies a position north-east of the Italians at Amba '‘ Alagi. Ras Wodaju has also returned to the fighting lihe. The Abyssinians deny the Italian claim to occupying Sokota in the southern Takkaz valley. They view the northern situation favourably. Ras Imru. Ras Kassa, Ras Seyoum, and Ras Ayelou,are all firmly holding their positions.

The raids on Italian communications continue. The presence of the Emperor has subdued the sporadic northern revolts. Robbers are continually handing over Italian rifles and uniforms as evidence of loyalty. Galla irregulars and Ras Bidoded’s troops bloodily repulsed two Italian battalions which were attempting to break through south of Amba Alagi, -ATTITUDE TOWARD LEAGUE FRETTING AT DELAY LONDON, March 15. The Addis Ababa correspondent of “The Times,” in a copyright message, says that officials of the Royal household fear that the powers at the League Council meeting on March 16, in the absence of the Abyssinian delegate, may speedily end the Italo-Abyssinian dispute, imposing an armistice on so-called common-sense peace terms upon the belligerents, because of the Locarno situation. “Any such tactics,” he states, “will be strenuously assisted by the Abyssinian representative. “There is a change in Hailo Selassie’s attitude towards the league and the European powers. He still devotedly supports collective security, but his outlook is altering in view of what he considers the league’s disgraceful procrastination in applying sanctions capable of stopping the war. namely, financially assisting Abyssinia and placing an embargo on all war materials necessary to Italy. “Haile Selassie is becoming an Ethiopian of the old, warlike type, eager to get into the fighting line in order to destroy the Italians or die. His communications with the delegations are becoming more impatient. His dealings with the West will end if France and Italy attempt to raise the Abyssinian issue in London when bargaining for support against Germany, and if the other powers accept such views.”