FIGHTING ON FRONTIER

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 10 December 1934, Page 7

FIGHTING ON FRONTIER

Abyssinians Cross Border and Attack Italian Outpost

GREAT BRITAIN INVOLVED PISPUTE WITH COMMISSION (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright). LONDON, Dec. 8. r fhe Italian Government has sent a N /;e to Abyssinia demanding satisfaction for an armed attack on the Italian outpost well of Ualual, Somaliland. A'byssinians allegedly crossed tho frontier and kilied GO and injured 400 Italian-Somali guards. The guards held out until reinforcements arrived and routed tho attackers, who lied, leaving arms, munitions and equipment littered over a distance of ten miles. Two Italians planes bombed the Abyssinians. The casualties are believed to be heavy. The Abyssinian. Government denies responsibility.

Reports received at London indicate that Colonel Clifford and other British officials, members of a joint commission of the British Somaliland and Abyssinian Governments, which are defining grazing grounds, were present at the beginning of the dispute, which led to fighting on December 7. The commission, accompanied by an. Abyssinian escort, arrived at Ualual on November 23, where it was confronted with SOO troops commanded by an Italian, Captain Cimmaruta, who refused to allow the commission to camp in the neighbourhood of the wells or to move freely in Abyssinian territory, although' the commission’s work was not connected with the ItaloAbyssinian dispute. The commission vigorously protested and asked Captain Cimmaruta to refer the matter to Rome. Captain Cimmaruta refused and summoned tanks and aeroplanes, Colonel Clifford attempted to smooth matters but after failure lie returned to Berbera to report to the Government. Matters became more acute and fighting began. The British Minister in Abyssinia, Sir Sydney, Barton, and the Ambassador at Rome, Sir Eric Drummond, have reported regarding the matter. The Abyssinian Charge D’Affaires at Romo is lodging a protest to Italy alleging that an unprovoked attack: was made by Italians. Italians declare the iucident is exaggerated. It is senii-ofncially denied by Rome that the Italians attacked the commission. It is contended that such a strong force was too numerous for an escort for the commission.