Italians Fighting to Last at Dessie

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 97, 24 April 1941, Page 7

Italians Fighting to Last at Dessie

Defenders Occupy Strong Position MOPriNG-UP OPERATIONS NOT EASY United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyrlgh t. Received Wednesday, 6.50 p.m. LONDON, April 23. Military circles iu Cairo hinted to-day that mopping-up operations in Abyssinia might require several weeKs, firstly, because the Italians were making a determined stand at Dessie, and secondly, because the rains in the southern were slowiug up the British movements. It has become clear that the Italians intend to fight on to tho last. The defenders of Dessie occupy a strong position where a semi-circular mountain commands the straight stretch of road crossing the plateau. The battle has developed into a full-scale artillery duel. The Italians are showing the most stubborn resistance since Keren. The Italian big guns in concrete emplacements on the top of tho mountain are pouring out a heavy barrage, cutting furrows in Mussolini’s “Victory Way.” The South Africans in the forefront of the battle have brought up guns in an attempt to silence the Italian batteries. The British advance will be difficult because the Italians are entrenched in cleverly-concealed positions in country admirably suited to a scenic railway. The South Africans are facing up to terrible hardships, the nights freezing and the days stifling. Patriots are proving invaluable in patrolling ani scouting the surrounding areas.