SKIRMISH ON OGADEN FRONT

Northern Advocate, 23 October 1935, Page 7

SKIRMISH ON OGADEN FRONT

ITALIAN WIN CLAIMED

ABYSSINIANS LOSE 50 DEAD INVADERS’ LINE STRAIGHTENED C United Press Association.-By Electric Telegraph. — Copyright.l (Received 10 a.m.) ROME, October 21. MESSAGE from Rome states that, although it is claimed that General Graziani’s operations in the Ogaden area spoiled the Abyssinian plan, which was being carried out under Ras Wehib Pasha, they have not substantially advanced the Italian line. General Graziani, on Friday, since when the rain has halted operations, decided to straighten the line. He used native soldiers, mainly Askaris and irregular bands of Somalis under Italian officers. These troops stormed the fortified and rocky heights of the Dagnerie and Sciaveli region, between Berdale and Gorahi, and overlooking the Webbe Shibelli River. Also they attacked the roughly fortified village of Degamboko, where Abyssinians had concentrated arms and ammunitions. Airmen Drop Bombs. Ten airmen dropped bombs, swooped down and fired machine guns at ■ the position. Five aeroplanes were ineffectively hit* by rifle bullets. The Somalis advanced in skirmishing order in a rain storm, and drove out the defenders into the bush. The Italians claim that the Abyssinians lost 59 dead, many wounded and scores of prisoners, besides two cannon, two, machine guns and ammunition. The Italian losses comprise 14 natives killed and 40 natives wounded. Simultaneously, Italians stormed and set fire to the village of Berdale, 60 miles from the border, and 40 miles from the Webbe Shibelli River, thus procuring a fertile oasis.

These details show that the claim that the Italian advance has reached the neighbourhood of Harrar is exaggerated, as their line, which is 400 miles long, is less than 100 miles from the actual border of Abyssinian territory at any point. More Submissions. Messages from the Italian headquarters at Asmara, Eritrea, state that there is nothing new on the Eritrea front except reconnaissances. It is reported that 12,000 natives of the Tigre Province, mostly peasants, have submitted to Italian rule. Apparently only 3,000 of Gugsa’s 12,000 followers are willing to join the invaders as fighting men. General de Bono has rewarded with money 11 Askaris who fought beside the Italians at Adowa in 1896. They had all lost their right hands and feet, which their Abyssinian captors liad cut off during the battle. Fifteen others will be rewarded later. Guns Pouring In. The Addis Ababa correspondent of the “News Chronicle” says guns and ammunition are pouring into Ethiopia now. A military authority declares that, if the rate is maintained,* the Abyssinians will be irresistible in guerilla warfare within three months. Another message states that the Abyssinian leader, Ras Seyoum, having had repaired the telephone wire which Gugsa cut, sent a message to'the Emperor expressing his horror at Gugsa’s behaviour in surrendering to the Italians. Gugsa’s sub-chiefs were joining Ras Seyoum. The Emperor has given Gugsa’s doiminions to Ras Seyoum.

Dedjazmatch Ayeleu, one of the commanders on the northern frontier, was wounded. He was unable to restrain the impatience of his troops to rush madly against strongly entrenched Italians. Hundreds of Abyssinians were reported to have been killed. SANCTIONS APPLICATION LEAGUE TO DECIDE ON DATE [British Official Wireless.! (Received 10 a.m.) RUGBY, October 21. The Sanctions Co-ordination Committee and the Committee of Eighteen will meet again at Geneva today and decide upon the date for the application of the measures upon. The Governments of the participating States have been asked to inform the Secretary-General of the League, M. Avenol," of the measures they are taking to put the recommendations into effect.

Holland will place an embargo on the export of arms to Italy and her colonies.