IN EAST AFRICA

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 109, 1 February 1941, Page 11

IN EAST AFRICA

Systematic Work Of Imperial Forces SITUATION OUTLINED (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, January 30. On the East African fronts, which can no longer be regarded as separate from the Libyan operations, the British and Empire forces continue the satisfactory operations designed to destroy Italian influence in the terirtory. In Eritrea the objective is Agordat, where a railway runs up to Asmara and then on to Massawa. As far as Agordat the country is flat, but there is a steep rise up to Asmara, which is 7000 ft. above sea level. Far away to the south, witli all Ethiopia in between, patrol activities continue across the frontier of Italian Somaliland. Remembering the similar and apparently small and unimportant operations which resulted in the Italian evacuation of Kassala and which were described by competent military observers as a classic example of how brilliant use of a small force can cause what is in effect a major defeat for far larger forces, these operations must be viewed in their proper perspective. In the intervening country, Abyssinia, the Italians, after being forced out. of Gallabat, have been kept engaged at Metemma, while patrols are now operating vigorously east of this point. The danger to the Italian troops does not only come from the invading forces. In Abyssinia patriots are rallying to their own Emperor and the Italians are faced with that most difficult of all problems—active hostility from a brave and resourceful race among whom their troops are living. Road-Building Work.

“In tlie Argodat-Barentu sector in Eritrea,” states a Cairo' communique, “the concentration of our forces is proceeding smoothly despite tlie distances and physical difficulties, which have been overcome largely by the work of the Cape mechanical transport companies. “Intensive patrolling continues east of Metemma, in Abyssinia. “In all sectors in Italian Somaliland work is progressing on improved forward roads in support of our advanced patrols, whose activities across the frontier are continuing unabated.” SAFETY OF EGYPT Egyptian Governor Back At Mersa Matruh LONDON, January 30. Tim effect of the victories in Egypt is clearly shown by the fact that, the Egyptian Governor of tlie Western Desert and his chief officers are returning to Mersa Matruh, the small coastal town used as tlie forward base of the Imperial forces before they started on their advance against the Italian positions. The town is now some 350 miles to tlie rear of our ndvnnce forces. NAVAL SQUADRON Reported Arrival At Gibraltar LONDON, January 30. 'file German news agency’s Madrid correspondent says that, a Britisli squadron, consisting of a battleship, an aircraft-c.'irrier, live cruisers. 10 destroyers. and two big transports c;irrying troops and material, entered the port of Gibraltar yesterday. It is expected to sail shortly for an unknown destiniitioii. REX AS A MERCHANT CRUISER Italian Reconstruction LONDON, January 30. It is reported from Rome that several large Italian liners, including tlie Rex (51,062 tons.), are being reconstructed as merchant cruisers.