ADEN’S SECURITY

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 282, 23 August 1940, Page 9

ADEN’S SECURITY

No Great Effect From Italian Success RAIDS ON ENEMY

South African Airmen Make Long Flights

LONDON, August 21

Residents of Aden are not concerned about the Italian occupation of Berbera, from which it is considered most unlikely that an invasion could be organized. Large ships are unable to use the port of Berbera, and are compelled to lie outside, where they are serviced from small boats. The monsoon season is raging, and it will continue till October, increasing the shipping difficulties.

A Royal Air Force communique issued iu Cairo states: “Squadrons of the South African Air Force carried out simultaneously offensive .reconnaissances ou Italian aerodromes in Abyssinia and Italian Somaliland.

“Bombs fell near the wireless station at Mega and buildings were damaged at Neghelli. Hits were scored on Caproni planes grounded at Yavello and a storehouse at Afmadu. Our bombers attacked hangars and Ihe railway station at Dircdawa. All bombs fell in the target area and a direct hit was made ou a hangar. One of our planes failed to return. “We attacked Dessie aerodrome, bombs hitting buildings in tlie compound. “Our bombers carried out a low-level attack on railway buildings at Kassala and hit the railway track. “French pilots, co-operating with the R.A.F.. made extensive reconnaissances over British Somaliland. The places visited included Berbera, Odweina, Hargeisa, and Zeila. Gibraltar Twice Kaided.

“Ten enemy bombers, escorted by 20 fighters, raided Malta. Our fighters dispersed the enemy,” the communique adds.

It is officially announced in Gibraltar ’that enemy planes bombed Gibraltar twice last night. In the first raid bombs dropped into the sea. One bomber was brought down. In the second raid bombs fell on tlie Rock and caused a small fire which was quickly controlled. There was slight damage but no casualties. ITALIAN CLAIMS Natives’ Allegiance In Somaliland LONDON, August 21. A Rome communique says:. “In what was formerly British Somaliland the local population is flocking round the Italian authorities to give oaths of allegiance. Native soldiers of the Camel Corps and bands of Hilaros warriors are bringing iu weapons and simultaneously seeking enrolment in the native Italian army. “Five British bombers damaged by Italian air raids were found in Berbera. “The British carried out numerous air raids in several localities in Ethiopia. One woman was killed and five persons wounded. Material damage was insignificant. Italian fighters brought down a Blenheim bomber at Diredawa. “Italian air formations attacked air bases at Malta, scoring successful hits. The enemy violently counter-attacked our planes. We probably shot down one enemy plane." GIBRALTAR’S SALUTE TO SPAIN Ceremonial Visit Made By Neighbouring' Official (Received August 22, b. 40 p.m.' GIBRALTAR, August 22. The Governor, Sir Clive Liddell, and representatives of all services, the civil administration and the Church, most cordially toasted the Spanish Premier, General Franco, when lhe new Governor of Algeciras, General Munoz Grandes, paid a ceremonial visit, to Gibraltar. General Grandes toasted His Majesty, and the friendly demonstrations in reply included a 21-gun salute, contrary to the wartime custom. BRAVE MALTESE (British Official Wireless.) (Received August 22, 7 p.m.) RUGBY,' August 21. Admiration of tlie spirit and determination with which the [X‘ople of Malta have been facing the aerial attacks was expressed by tlie Colonial Secretary, Lord Lloyd, in acknowledging a resolution from the Maltose Council recording its high appreciation of the magnificent; work of the Navy, Army ami Royal Air Force iu the defence of Malta,