ABYSSINIAN TROOPS

Evening Star, Issue 22325, 29 April 1936, Page 9

ABYSSINIAN TROOPS

STRAGGLING INTO CAPITAL ITALIAN ADVANCE UNCHECKED Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, April 28. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ Addis Ababa correspondent says: “A continual stream of Abyssinian troops is straggling into the capital from the northern front and almost all the Abyssinian provinces. Some are in uniform, some more or less clothed, others almost naked, and all arq limping, silent, and weary. Many are suffering from the effects of mustard gas, and others from body burns, while some, completely disfigured, hid their faces in their clothing.” - The Home correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ reports that the Italians are advancing on Addis Ababa along both main highways leading to the capital, one passing through Warrahailu and the other through Ankober. So far, it is stated, no resistance has been encountered, and many Abyssinian deserters are reported to be surrendering. SEVENTY MILES FROM CAPITAL ROME, April 28. (Received April 29, at 10 a.m.) Marshal Badoglio’s communique says: A motorised column which left Dessye advanced without resistance 82 miles towards Addis Ababa, and is now only 70 miles from the capital. The victorious offensive is continued in Somaliland. USE OF POISON GAS CONFERENCE OF MILITARY CHIEFS SUGGESTED, LONDON, April 28. (Received April 29, at 1.45 p.m.) “ Italy’s friends throughout the world deeply regret the use of poison gas,” says the ‘ Daily Mail,’ suggesting that, as the conferences of politicians have failed, a conference of the military chiefs of Britain, France, Italy, and Germany should be held. “ It has been said that chemical peace is not achievable by a mere signature, but a decision involving the honour of Europe’s greatest military chiefs is in a different category.”. READY TO CONTINUE FIGHTING MORALE OF TROOPS SURPRISING. ADDIS ABABA, April 28. (Received April 29, at 10.5 a.m.) Though the returning troops are a pitiful spectacle, their morale is surprising. They declare: “We are ready to continue fighting. We will never allow the enemy to remain in possession of our land. We can fight the enemy any time. God looked the other way when brother ate brother, and fog uurrounded us by day and night.” This refers to the treachery of other tribes and 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.

BLUE NILE HEADWATERS RIGHTS PROTECTED BY AGREEMENTS. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, April 28. (Received April 29, at noon.) A member asked in the House of Commons this afternoon what steps the Foreign ji Secretary was taking to protect the rights of Egypt with regard to the headwaters of the Blue Nile, recently occupied by Italian troops. Lord Crauborne replied that the rights of Egypt, as of the AugloEgyptian Sudan and His Majesty’s Government, were protected by existing agreements with both Abyssinia and Italy. EMPEROR'S AERIAL ADVISER FORCED LANDING MADE, ROME, April 28. (Received April 29, at 1.30 p.m.) The airman Drouillet atade a forced landing at the Centocelle Aerodrome. The plane was seized, but Drouillet disappeared.