ITALIAN ATTACK Near Abyssinian Capital

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 110, 22 April 1936, Page 7

ITALIAN ATTACK Near Abyssinian Capital

FIERCE BATTLE Defenders Make Last Stand in North DEFEAT IN THE SOUTH <By Telegraph—Preai Assn., Copyright. I (Received 22, J 0.40 am.) ADDIS ABABA, April 21/ ; A fierce battle is reported to be raging north of Addis Ababa. No details are available. It is believed the Italians have launched an at-' tack. Abyssinian warriors are making a last stand to defend the capital. The Abyssinian authorities are enforcing the strictest censorship. It is ascertained that Shohmede, Jijiga, Harrar, Awash and Warrahailu are still in Abyssinian hands. The Emperor is reported to be still in the north of Abyssinia, accompanied by a large number of Imperial Guards. The Crown Prince is believed to have successfully engaged Italians yesterday 130 miles north of Addis Ababa. Marshal Badoglio’s communique at Rome announces the transference of Italian headquarters to Dessie and reports that General Graziani’s victory in Ogaden will have the gravest consequences for the Abyssinlans, who have been dispersed and are being pursued by Libyan and other troops. •'The Times”* Addis Ababa corres pondent says: ‘ ‘ Government circles believe that the Italians, even on the most pessimistio calculation, cannot reach the capital in less than a week. ‘‘No decision is yet made regarding the future seat of government, but it is unofficially announced that the Empress will not leave Abyssinia. “There were 6000 foreigners in Addis Ababa in October. It is now estimated that there are only about 3000, of whom 1000 are British nationals, mostly

Indians and Somalis and about 30 whites. They could all be sheltered in the British Legation compound. “It is protected with barbed wire and sand-bags, and guarded by 150 Sikhs and four British officers equipped with machine-guns. There are ample water and food stocks. “The French Legation is looking after its own nationals.” According to the “ News-Chronicle’s’ ? correspondent, arrangements are completed to evacuate all British nationals by air to British Somaliland if they become endangered through the bombing or bombardment of Addis Ababa or the use of poison gas on retreating Abyssinian troops fleeing the capital. The “Daily Mail’s’ Addis Ababa correspondent says the Bank of Abyssinia is closing on April 23 and the staff proceeding to Jibuti the following day.