ITALIAN ADVANCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 100, 29 April 1936, Page 11

ITALIAN ADVANCE

PUSH FROM DESSIE

SURPRISING ABYSSINIAN

MORALE

MANY DESERTIONS United Tress Association—B.v Electric Telegraph—Copyright. (Received April 29, noon.) LONDON, April 28. A communique issued by Marshal Badoglio says that a motorised column left Dessic and advanced without resistance 82 miles towards Addis Ababa, and is now only 70 miles from the capital. The victorious offensive has been continued in Somaliland. An Addis Ababa message states that though the returning troops present a pitiful spectacle their morale is surprising. They declare: "We are ready to continue fighting and will never allow the enemy to remain in possession of our land. We can fight the enemy at any time. God looked the other way when brother ate brother and fog surrounded us day and night." This refers to the treachery of other tribes and to gas attacks. . British correspondents contrast the cheery welcome returning soldiers were given in the World War with the population's silent indifference to the warriors who have put up a heroic struggle against all the resources of modern war. The Rome correspondent of "The Times" reports that the Italians are advancing on Addis Ababa along both main highways leading to the capital, one passing through Warra Hailu and the other through. Ankober. So far, it is stated, no resistance has been encountered. Many Abyssinian deserters are reported to be surrendering.