DEBRA MARKOS FALLS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 83, 8 April 1941, Page 7

DEBRA MARKOS FALLS

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Progress in Abyssinia

THE LIBYAN POSITION

LONDON, April 7.

The town of Debra Markos, in Abyssinia, has fallen. It is about 120 miles north-west of Addis Ababa.

Tonight's Cairo communique says that it was taken largely because of patriot forces who inflicted over 1000 casualties on the enemy. The enemy drive southwards has been closely followed up and considerable war material has been captured.

Li Eritrea, operations around Massawa aro developing and aircraft, ol: the Royal Air Force and the South African Air Force and the Free French Air Force continue- to give active support to the advancing troops. Tho advance south and south-west towards Dessie and f-.oi.dar is continuing satisfactorily, and during the past fortnight over 10.000 prisoners have heen taken, together with large quantities of Avar material.

Yesterday enemy aircraft al an enemy aerodrome near Dessie were machine-gunned by South African fighters, which destroyed eight Italian planes and damaged a number of

Following the occupation of Addis Ababa operations are developing west, north, and south of the town.

An Italian communique admitting the fall of Addis Ababa states that the capital has "been evacuated to spare the civil population. The Italian population was protected by Ihe Italian police and suffered no ofTence."

It Avas stated that when our leading troops entered Addis Ababa the Duke of Aosta, Viceroy of Abyssinia, and the Government had left tho city. Last Thursday, after South African aircraft had dropped messages in the streets, an enAroy from the Duke of Aosta flew behind the British lines and conditions Avere presented to him to ensure the safely of the civil population in the event of fighting around the capital. CONCENTRATION IN LIBYA. In Libya, in the face of continued pressure by strong German and Italian forces the Avithdrawal of our advanced troops to a selected area of concentration, with a vieAv to subsequent operations, is proceeding in good order.

An R.A.F. Middle East communique states: "Enemy aircraft at Kombolcha, near Dessie. were machine-gunned and three CR42's. two CR32's. and three S79's were destroyed and a number of other aircraft severely damaged.

"In Cyrenaica bombing attacks Avere

The Asmara correspondent of

made on an enemy transport in the region of Agheila on Saturday night. On the same night the aerodrome at Calato. on the Island of Rhodes, was raided by our aircraft but the full results could not be observed. From all operations our aircraft returned safely with the exception of one bomber."

"Daily Telegraph" reports that an Italian hospital ship with 700 wounded Avas intercepted going to MassaAva. There are 3600 wounded in Asmara hospitals.

Free French patrols arc now eight miles from Massawa. They came down from the north. The British arc 10 miles west of Massawa.

British troops, including Sudanese, who are operating 80 miles from Asmara, near Adigrat. have captured ihree brigade commanders and 86 other officers. The native troops they commanded rapidly melted away after the fall of Asmara. Towns and villages are surrendering eagerly as the Brit•ish patrols race southward.

The neAvs of the capture of Addis Ababa was received in Athens with indescribable enthusiasm.