CAPTURE OF TOWN AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 190, 9 May 1941, Page 7

CAPTURE OF TOWN AND GENERAL

British In Abyssinia

(British Official Wireless.) (Received May 8, 7 p.m.) RUGBY, May 7.

A Middle East communique dealing with the Abyssinian front states: “Our converging movement upon Amba Alagi is progressing satisfactorily. While the pressure from the north is increasing, Imperial troops have occupied the town of Quoram, which is only 30 miles south of the main Italian position. In this operation a number of prisoners have been taken, including one general.

“In the southern area our troops have engaged the enemy holding a strong position at Wadara, 30 miles south of Nghelli, and this operation is also continuing favourably. On the north-east coastal sector of Italian Somaliland we have occupied Bender Kassin, capturing 100 Italian prisoners and a quantity of war material..

The triumphant, entry of Emperor Haile Selassie into Addis Ababa on the fifth anniversary of its occupation by the Italians is a source of great satisfaction in Loudon. Though operations still continue in the interior of Abyssinia, and while it would be premature to assume that the final collapse of the Italian forces is at hand, the Emperor’s entry into his capital affords striking proof not only of the brilliant success which so far has attended the campaign for the liberation of Abyssinia. but also of the measure of assistance extended by the British Government. Britain’s Promises. Thus, Britain has fully implemented the promise which, on the morrow of the Italians’ participation in the war, was given to the Emperor in London, when facilities were also extended to him to return immediately to Africa. In the House of Commons last February, the Foreign Minister, Mr. Eden, after stating that the British Government would welcome the reappearance of an independent Ethiopian State, added, "The Emperor has intimated that he will need outside assistance and guidance. The British Government agrees with this view, and it con siders that any such assistance and guidance in economic and political matters should be by international arrangement at the conclusion of peace. It reaffirms that it has no territorial ambitions in Abyssinia.” A high tribute is paid to the manner in which the patriot forces have rallied to the Emperor’s standard, and the courage and endurance they have displayed in action and under the hardship of long marches. Haile Selassie, who i.s working in ihe closes! co-operation with the British Coininander-in-Chiv’f .General Cunningham. will now he confronted with many problem- of administration, in which he will be able to rely on the ■ Sullest BxlsisJi.49JWort.ap4