CAN ITALY WIN?

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 August 1935, Page 5

CAN ITALY WIN?

GENERAL SMUTS’ ESTIMATE

OCCUPATION DIFFICULT [BY CABLE—PBESS ASSN.—COPYRIGHT.] (Recd. Aug. 13, II a.m.). CAPETOWN, August 12. General Smuts, interviewed, said that he considered the whole system of civilisation would he shaken to its foundations if the League failed to avert war. The world would revert to the old system of alliances. Europe would be divided once more into hostile camps. A great conflict in Africa on the borders of British territory must lead to serious repercussions, and raise anxious feelings between white and blacks, with serious results. There was no doubt there were some points of contact between Abyssinia and Japan not yet disclosed. In some curious way, the African question may get linked with the Asiatic. It is quite possible that Italy will overwhelm Abyssinia at first with aeroplanes and’ gas’, ”b‘ut if is* a’nother thing to occupy the country.

TERROR OF THE AIR.

LONDON, August 12.

The “Sun-Herald” says: The flesh of nations tends to creep at the repeated stones from Rome of the terrible efficiency of the Italian Army and Air Force, and the likelihood of the Abyssinians, who are preparing for the conflict by sharpening swords and oiling obsolete muskets, being drenched with poison gas. General Smuts has warned, the Italians that they may bite off more than they can chew, seeing it is one thing to overwhelm the country and another to occupy it, but Air circles have no doubt that when the Italians release the bloodiest air terror in history it will bring the campaign to a swift climax.

The most decisive factor is expected to be a fleet of high-powered bombers, dropping six hundred tons of high explosive dally, shattering the Abyssinian resistance, and driving the forces back, to permit the unrestricted advance of the Italian ground army.

Italy at the beginning of 1935, possessed 1,507 front line aeroplanes, but has considerably reconstituted since, including the construction of bombers. The Afbyssinians’ handful of fighting machines are mostly antiquated and could offer only the weakest, resistance against the Italian machines.

ABYSSINIA’S DETERMINATION.

(Recd. August 13, 10 a.m.) ADDIS ABABA. August 12.

The Emperor, in a speech, said: Danger of war is becoming more and more serious, but we still place hope in the League, especially Britain, which is always ready to defend the rights of other nations. If war comes, Ethiopia will defend the country to the last drop of blood.

TERRITORY CESSION

ROME. August 12.

Official circles scout the supposed Abyssinian offer to cede a portion of Ogaden to Italy, but Emperor Selassie now explains his offer to cede territory in exchange for economic advantages, did not apply to Ogaden. but referred to Mr. Eden’s suggestion regarding Zeyla.

DEBTS TO BRITISH COAL-OWNERS

LONDON. August 13.

Tvneside coal exporters seriously regard the Italian indebtedness, totalling £500,000, twelve firms are involved. Exporters decline further commitments, and a number of Durham collieries are consequently suffering a shortage of work.