TEMBIEN SALIENT

Evening Star, Issue 22277, 2 March 1936, Page 9

TEMBIEN SALIENT

SUCCESSFUL ITALIAN STRATEGY ABYSSINIAN TROOPS ALMOST ENCIRCLED GREAT BATTLE IN PROGRESS Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright ROME, February 29. Marshal Badoglio has issued the following communique :—“ A great battle has been in progress since the dawn of February 28. The second battle of Tembien has reached a decisive phase, and the position of Ras Kassa and Ras Seyoum is more critical hourly.” Correspondents report that 100,000 Italians are in action between the Sudan frontier and Amba Alagi. The 3rd Italian Army Corps is advancing from Aksum, attempting to join the 2nd Native Corps moving northward from Aksum. while the 2nd Italian Corps is manoeuvring for the complete envelopment of the Abyssinians in the Tembien salient. The ninching off of them will remove the Abyssinian threat to Italian communications extending 40 miles from Makale towards Amba Alagi. The Abyssinians yesterday realised their danger and tried to escape westwards, but found the 3rd Corps blocking the. way. They fought until their ammunition was exhausted, when they dashed in with sword and bayonet and were almost annihilated. They also suffered heavily from aerial bombing. The Alpinis of the Sabauda Division occupied the passes of Togora Balaga flanking Amba Alagi. The actual captors of Amba Alagi were Alpinis, who scaled mountain sides like steeplejacks. The flag planted at Amba Alagi was sent expressly from Italy by the father of an official who died leading one of Toselli’s Askari divisions. Emperor Selassie, interviewed, declared that the Italian penetration of his country caused him no concern, since the advance lengthened the lines of communication and increased the opportunity for guerrilla tactics. STUBBORN REARGUARD ACTION ASMARA, February 29. The Abyssinians are fighting a stubborn rearguard action near Amba Alagi. The Italians believe that the Emperor is personally leading reinforcements northward to assist Ras Seyoum and Ras Kassa to thwart encirclement.' DAY OF NATIONAL VINDICATION REJOICING IN ITALY. ROME, March 1. (Received March 2, at 10 a.m.) The official morning bulletin states: “ On the Eritrean front the army of Ras Kassa was severely beaten, and is breaking up.” After special field Mass, celebrated at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at which the King and Signor Mussolini were present, the crowd demonstrated before the Venetian Palace. Signor Mussolini, from the balcony, said: “I know the sentiments that stir you on this day of national vindication and victory. That which the Black Shirt revolution desired is occurring. Our soldiers are victorious, and are advancing. Facts speak, and will speak even more in the future.” CONFIDENT DEPUTY GOVERNOR ASMARA, March 1. (Received March 2, at 10 a.m.) During the celebrations of victory at Amba Alagi the Deputy-Governor, from the balcony, said: “New and important victories are being consolidated. Soon all the Abyssinian armies on the northern front will be out of action.- The. next victory will prepare the way for a march, free and unopposed, into the centre of Abyssinia.”