GARRISON YIELDS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20486, 21 February 1941, Page 7

GARRISON YIELDS

AFRICANS' ATTACK ITALIANS IN ETHIOPIA REFUGEES IN CAPITAL. PERIL FROM PATRIOTS TALK OF AN ARMISTICE (Klhc. Ti l. Copyright —United Press Assn.) (Reed. Feb. 21, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 20. It is officially stated in Nairobi today that the Italian garrison at Mega has capitulated to South African troops. Over 600 prisoners, mostly Europeans, were taken. Artillery and many machine-guns were also captured. Mega is an important post about 30 miles north of the Abyssinian boundary from Kenya and some 175 miles east of Lake Rudolf. A Cairo communique states: “In Italian Somaliland our troops have successfully crossed the River Juba, driving orf enemy counter-attacks.. Operations in this area are developing well.” Addis Ababa Packed Addis Ababa is so packed with refugees that many are being sent to Asmara and Massawa. Some British military authorities expect the Italians to attempt the complete evacuation of the Abyssinian uplands to Eritrea. Ambushes perpetually menace them outside the towns - and refugees crowding Djibouti forecast a request for an armistice. They say the Italians are trying to bring in to Addis Ababa all nationals from the outlying farms and villages. The Abyssinian Patriots are so strong that it is not safe to motor outside the capital at night even under guard. The Italians, therefore, attach vital importance to the strongholds in Eritrea, particularly the bastion of Keren.