FIERCE FIGHTING

Evening Post, Issue 86, 11 April 1936, Page 13

FIERCE FIGHTING

BOTH FRONTS AFLAME

BATTLE STILL INDECISIVE

HEAVY CASUALTIES

(Received April 11, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, April 10.

Fierce fighting continues on the northern and southern fronts in Abyssinia. Reports from Addis Ababa state that the Italian forces are attempting to encircle the Abyssinians in the Fafan Valley with the object of occupying Da^abur. Ras Nasibu is fighting desperately, and there are heavy casualties on both sides. The issue is still indecisive.

A communique issued by Ras Nasibu states that the Italians are using poison gas. Aeroplanes raided Sasa Bench and Dagabur, leaving a trail of gas and horribly burning numbers of the population. • _ Messages from Rome confirm the bombing, and state that it was carried out by 22 aeroplanes as a prelude to an offensive against Harrar. The Italians at Asmara claim that the Abyssinian War Minister, Ras Getacho,' was killed during fierce fighting on the northern front south-west of Marava, where Azebugalla tribesmen attacked a strong force of Abyssinians and slaughtered two or three thousand.

Count Ciano. after a reconnaissance flight, reported that the road from Quoram to Dessie is completely clear for an Italian advance. Dessie appeared to have been abandoned, and white sheets and flags had been laid on many houses north'of Dessie.