ITALIAN PUSH.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 303, 20 November 1935, Page 2

ITALIAN PUSH.

IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT. (Times Cables.) Received November 20, 1.45 p.m. LONDON, Nov. 19. The Times Rome correspondent says: A most important development is the submission of Birru Sultante to Italy, comprising the vast region of the Danakii Plain, the peaceful occupation of which is most valuable in the projected Italian push from their Assab base to Dessie and to Aussa, where the local chiefs are likely to favourably receive the invaders preparatory to their farther advance southwards simultaneously with General Graziani’s fresh push in Ogaden. The Daily Mail's Rome correspondent points out that the main object of the early Italian operations will be to effect a speedy union between Marsha] Badoglio, who is moving southward, and General Graziani, who is moving northward, which would place Signor Mussolini in a much better position to negotiate for peace. ABYSSINIAN STRATAGEM. The Times Asmara correspondent puts a different complexion on the Italian bomb attack (referred to on page 8). Two squadrons of aeroplanes made a concerted onslaught on 20,000 Abyssinians concentrated in a deep defile near Antalo. It was considered strange that they should expose their encampments in an area constantly tinder aerial observation and the result proved the camp to be part of an elaborate stratagem. The camp itself was empty, but tho sides of the gorge were manned by concealed machinegunners and riflemen awaiting an attack. When the squadrons new low, .bombing and firing, they were met by heavy fire from the heights and all the ’planes were riddled with bullets, but they continued the action until their ammunition was exhausted. The British United Press Asmara correspondent says General Ciano’s aeroplane was hit thirty times. His machine-gunner, Sergeant Birago, was severely wounded but scribbled encouraging notes on bloodstained paper to the pilot.