ITALIAN CAMPAIGN

Evening Star, Issue 22326, 30 April 1936, Page 9

ITALIAN CAMPAIGN

ADVANCE ON ADDIS ADADA NO ORGANISEI RESISTANCE Press Association —By Telegraph Copyright ROME. April 29. The Italian column which is advancing on Addis Ababa along Aukober road is described as the biggest and strongest mechanised force ever employed in warfare. It consists of over 2,000 motor lorries, each carrying 16 men, a large number of armoured cars and light tanks, and extends along more than 12 miles of roadway. It carries sufficient supplies and munitions for a month, and is thus completely independent and self-supporting. The column, which left Dessye at dawn on April 26, has already traversed half the distance to Addis Ababa without meeting any organised resistance. This is causing no surprise, says the ‘ Daily Mail’s ’ Rome correspondent, because the Italians have always declared since the Battle of Ashangi that no force capable of barring their path existed between them and Addis Ababa, whose fall is considered to be merely a question of time. SPIRITED RESISTANCE HEAVY RAINS IMPEDING OPERATIONS. ROME, April 29. (Received April 30, at 10 a.m.) The Italians admit that they met resistance of “ unforeseen vigour ” at Sasabaneh. Heavy rains are making the roads impassable and impeding operations. The troops are reported to be resorting to gas. Marshal Badoglio’s communique reports that the motorised column is making slow progress. Another column, proceeding by a shorter but more difficult route, has crossed the River Mofer 80 miles from the capital. FIERCE BATTLE RAGING ADDIS ABABA, April 29. (Received April 30, at 1.30 a.m.) A battle is still raging fiercely at Sasabaneh. The Ahyssinians repeatedly repulsed the Italians, who are rushing up reinforcements from all sides. MEDICAL SUPPLIES FROM BRITAIN (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, April 29. (Received April 30, at noon.) Asked in the House of Commons whether the Government proposed to any action with a view to supplying to Abyssinia gas masks and chemical materials for the treatment of gasinflicted wounds, the Foreign Secretary said he understood appropriate medical supplies for the treatment of sufferers, or funds for their purchase, were being forwarded to Abyssinia by various societies and private organisations in Britain. He need hardly add that humanitarian efforts of that description had the warm approval of the Government. MOTORISED COLUMN FORCED TO RETIRE LONDON, April 29. (Received April 30, at 1.5 p.m.) The ‘ Daily Mail’s ’ Rome correspondent says: General Verne’s motorised column on General Graziani’s left, after arrival at Renda, on the Fafan River, from Daggamodo, became heavily engaged, and retired after three hours’ fighting to Daggamodo to await reinforcements. EMPEROR’S DECLARATION “ WILL FIGHT TO BITTER END.” LONDON, April 29. (Recieved April 30, at 1.20 p.m.) The Addis Ababa correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ says the Emperor Selassie reiterates that lie will fight to the bitter end in fulfilment not only of a sacred duty to his people, but in order to guard the last citadel of collective security and face his responsibilities to the whole of humanity until his tardy allies appear. He adds: “If they never come, I prophesy the West will perish.” The only sign of the Italian column advancing from Dessye towards Addis Ababa is an Eritrean advance guard which is still at Warrahailu, owing to the absence of motor roads compelling the motorised troops to take the Imperial road across the Borkenna River, 20 miles south of Dessye until reaching the Robi River, 110 miles farther. Robi is already blocked with lorries, which will find equal difficulty on the heavy soil of Sholaraeda, into which the infantry detrained from lorries. The Shoan troops defend Gibwasha Mountain, 30 miles south of Robi, where a conflict is expected. A small portion of the defenders has been supplied with gas masks. Heavy rains on the southern front and stubborn Abyssinian resistance under capable leadership, supported by bayonet charges, compelled General Graziani to order his troops a “ wellearned rest.” Meanwhile the Italians are resuming the use of mustard gas.