TO BE SPEEDED UP

Evening Star, Issue 23831, 11 March 1941, Page 7

TO BE SPEEDED UP

THE ABYSSINIAN CAMPAIGN DECISION OF CAIRO CONFERENCE GENERAL SMUTS PLEASED WITH RESULTS (British Official Wireless.) Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright RUGBY, March 10. (Received March 11, at 9.33 a.m.) “ An indication that the Abyssinian campaign will be expedited was given in an interview by General Smuts on his return from the Cairo conference,” states a Nairobi Press message. He left for South Africa yesterday. General Smuts said the Cairo talks, at which the World War situation was fully considered, were most timely and fruitful. HUGE AREAS OCCUPIED ITALIANS STILL RESISTING AT KEREN LONDON, March 9. British troops occupy almost twothirds of Italian East Africa’s vast surface. In two months they have captured 100,000 square miles in Italian Somaliland, 29,000 square miles in Eritrea, 39,000 square miles southwards and westwards of Lake Tsana, 10,000 square miles in Kurmuk, and 10,000 square miles on the North Kenya front. These figures do not include the large gains resulting from the record-break-ing drive of the East African armoured forces towards Gabrcdarre on the main road from Mogadishu to Harar. These armoured forces are probably nearer Harar than has hitherto been indicated. They are driving an important wedge between British Somaliland and the rest of East Africa. These armoured forces have advanced no fewer than 1,000 miles in six weeks, and are now approaheing the area of Marshal Graziani’s drive to Ogaden in 1936. During the short rains, which are normally due in April, the terrain will be more difficult as the Abyssinian highlands are approached, but the magnificent road there will be of much assistance. The Italians at Keren are still stubbornly resisting. They number at least 40,000, and include some of the best Eritrean regiments with a stiffening of Savoy Grenadiers. G.H.Q. COMMUNIQUE (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, March 10. (Received March 11, at 10.40 a.m.) A Cairo headquarters communique states; In Libya and Eritrea the situation remains unchanged. In Abyssinia and Italian Somaliland the operations continue to progress successfully, LONDON’S POPULATION PREFERS TO STAY AT HOME PUBLIC AIR RAID SHELTERS LITTLE USED (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, March 10. (Received March 11, at 12.10 p.m.) Only 3 per cent, of London’s population use public air raid shelters. This was revealed hy the Minister of Health at a conference at Cardiff on problems 'arising out of air raids. “ I deduce from that,” said Mr Ernest Brown, “ that ordinary men and women realise that the policy of dispersal is the best. They prefer to stand the strain in their own homes.” Mr Brown paid a tribute to the courage of the people of Britain. “ Hitler’s weiapon,” he said, “ will break in his hand. Our people will continue to stand up to attacks magnificently.” Mr Brown went on to say that the health of the people, judged on normal tests, had stood up to this period with most gratifying strength. The worst feature of those socially concerned with health have happily not been realised, even under conditions very grim indeed.