RAIN HINDERS ROAD-MAKING

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 111, 6 November 1935, Page 9

RAIN HINDERS ROAD-MAKING

CANAL NOT TO BE CLOSED

ABYSSINIAN CARAVANS DESTROYED

LOSS OF MUNITIONS AND PETROL

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received November 6, 1 p_m.) LONDON, November "5.' The special correspondent of the British United Press agency with the Italians states that General de Bono has ordered the advance to bo halted in order to permit the bringing up of supplies and also to permit of road construction, which is very difficult owing to the unseasonable rainss. When these works are completed the thrust towards Makale will be resumed. Though the Abyssinian rains are unseasonable and are therefore not expected to continue, they are virtually cloudbursts. The' rain is greatly damaging the new roads to Makale, causing the artillery and mechanised units to become bogged. The Italians hope to ' continue the advance on November 7. Meanwhile supplies are being dropped from aeroplanes. The operations today and tomorrow will be limited to straightening of the line. It is estimated that the advance has covered 4300 squane miles of Abyssinian territory. A communique from General de Bono issued in Rome reconds the occupation of Hauzien and other points, and adds: "The advance is very fast. The Abyssinians are fleeing before us. The troops are being welcomed everywhere." The correspondent considers that prospects of fighting are stronger. Reconnoitring aeroplanes are sighting large bodies of Abyssinian tro°ops with increasing frequency, and it is expected that they will attempt to harass the Italians on the move. The Italian Commander-in-Chief, General de Bono, is prepared for this, and is exploiting his mechanical superiority to the utmost. AGAMA CHIEFTAIN SUBMITS. ' The Danakil allies of Italy continue their southward advance in the direction of the Jibuti railway, which will not be attacked without reinforcements. The immediate result of the Danakil progress is the submission to Italy of Dedjazmatch Waldgebrield (chief of the Agama district), which is regarded as the most important surrender since that of Ras Gougsa and of the Aksum chieftains. MORE PRECIOUS THAN WATER. Petrol is now more precious than water in thirst-ridden Massawa. The price in Italy is 5s 4d a gallon, and the authorities fear that sanctions may cut off supplies. For that reason the utmost expedition is being used in unloading supplies. The present stocks at Asmara will suffice only for six weeks of an intensive campaign. CANAL MUST BE OPEN. Official: The Suez Canal Company declares it to be impossible to close the waterway, which must, under the 1888 Convention, be open to all ships, whether belligerent or not. SCENE OF FRIGHTFUL CARNAGE. A report from Addis Ababa stales that Italian aeroplanes wiped out Abyssinian caravans conveying munitions and petrol from British Somaliland, the largest since the opening of hostilities. The carnage was frightful, few escaping the slaughter. A message from Adowa states that despite terrific thunderstorms the Italians claim that their advance is proceeding according to plan.