Not So Good

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 46, 25 February 1936, Page 7

Not So Good

looking Back On Italian Advance

ALL CREEDS UNITED TO STEM INVASION

.United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. .Received Monday, 7.35 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 23.

Despite the Italian claim of considerable success at Amba Aradam, a Times leader points out that operations which lasted a week culminated only in the eapturo of a height two or ,thr?e miles from the starting point. This suggests that the resistance was very effective or the Italian methods were even more deliberate than at the innumerable battles in the Isonzo between 1915 and 1917, which arc a gloomy parallel for the present invasion. . Moreover, if Eas Mulugeta was routed so completely with such a disproportionate loss, it is curious the Italians have no exploited the victory more strikingly instead of leaving the harrying of a beaten foe to the air force. The Italians" have still to prove that they can move sufficiently fast in mountainous country to cut off Eas Kassa and Eas Seyoum. While the advance on Ambaalagi is continuing cautiously in short stages, even from that place it is several hundred miles to Addis Ababa. The Italians’ most promising line of advance for a decisive issue is still to Harrar, which General Graziani attempted and stopped in order to attack Negelli. Whether they possess the men and the time for a successful resumption of the Harrar attack, remains to be seen. All Sects Pledged ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 23. Somaliland chiefs who deserted from the Italian forces addressed a patriotic rally of tens of thousands of Moslems and Copts, and recounted stories of Italian atrocities to the assemblage.

After hearing the speeches, leaders of all sects pledged Christians and Mohammedans to unite in resisting the Italian invader.

Geraznatch Johannes, with 5000 men equipped with mountain artillery and anti-tank batteries, has departed to reinforce Eas Dcsta’s Sidamo detachments, which are still effective because they have occupied territory which is not affected by General Gra ziani’s recent drive. Nevertheless, General Graziani’s advance from southern Dolo towards Negelli renders their situation critical.