NO BIG VICTORY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 80, 16 March 1936, Page 7

NO BIG VICTORY

ITALIAN FORCES GROSS EXAGGERATIONS Abyssinian Armies Intact ONLY ONE FORCE DEFEATED (By Telegraph-Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received 16, 1.45 p.m.) LONDON, March 15. It is now clear that Italy’s claims to defeating Ras Kassa, Ras Seyoum and Ras Imru were grossly exaggerated. Ras Kassa’s and Ras Seyoum’s forces are intact in Western Tembien. Ras Imru’s forces are not only intact and sound but avoided contact with the enemy and are ranging west and north of Aksum. Dedjazmatch Ayelou, the ablest northern commander, has recrossed the Takkaze river in order to watch the progress of the Italian invasion in north-western Abyssinia.

Haili Sellassie admits the Italian advance, but denies that it was accompanied by the defeat of the Abyssinian troops. A possible exception to this was Ras Mulugheta, who, misunderstanding instructions, held out too long and withdrew too far. General headquarters did not accord him the customary obituary honours. He cut a way through Antalo and Scelicot in his retreat, which was accompanied by great slaughter. A European eye witness counted 1500 dead Alpini.

Dedjazmatch Wodaju, cf Dessie, hearing a false report of Haili Sellassie’s death, retreated after Ras Mulugheta to Amba Alagi. Ras Mulugheta,, north of it, ordered a retirement. Bidoded Makonnen, who refused, entered the Makale road behind the Italian Third Army Corps and successfully raided beyond Antalo all Italian detachments guarding communications, Ras Kabada, given on March 14 as lias Ebada, commanding Ras Mulugheta’s and Bidoded’s armies, is well supplied with arms and food and occupies a position north-east of the Italians at Amba Alagi. Wodaju also has returned to the fighting line. The Abyssinians deny the Italian claim that the Italians occupy Sokota in the southern Takkaze Valley, and view the northern situation favourably. Ras Imru, Ras Kassa, Ras Seyoum and Ras Ayelou are all firmly holding their positions. The only commander considered in any way to have failed was Ras Mulugheta, whose mistakes are attributed to age. Raids on the Italian communications continue. The presence of Haili Sellassie has subdued sporadic revolts in the north.

Galla irregulars and Bidoded's troops bloodily repulsed two Italian battalions attempting to break through south of Amba Alagi.