TERRIBLE DEFEAT FOR ITALY

Northern Advocate, 4 February 1936, Page 8

TERRIBLE DEFEAT FOR ITALY

THE TEMBIEN BATTLE VICTORY GOES TO ABYSSINIANS LONDON, February 2. JT IS OFFICIALLY DECLARED

THAT THE TEMBIEN BATTLE FOLLOWED A CAREFUL AND LONG-PREPARED ITALIAN PLAN, BUT RESULTED IN A TERRIBLE DEFEAT IN ITALY’S FIRST REAL MILITARY OFFENSIVE.

“The Times” Addis Ababa correspondent considers that the Abyssinian control of Tembien is definitely complete, while Ras Seyoum has greatly tightened his grip on the Adowa-Ma-kale road.

“The Times” Dessie representative explains that three blockhouses captured by the Abyssinians were those nearest the road. /

He attributes the victory to Ras Kassa’s careful leadership in prolonging the battle and keeping the troops in hand until the last assault. He captured dozens of machine guns at the sword-point.

The position of the Italians in Makale is now most difficult. The “Daily Mail” Addis Ababa correspondent reports skirmishes south of Aksum and a continuance of the struggle for a road on which the Abyssinian front line almost rests in certain places though several-patrols have crossed it. The Main Threat. Other sources point out that while the main threat is from Ras Seyoum from the south-west, Ras Kassa is based on Agula to the east and forms the second leg of the pincers. Ras Mulugeta’s army is acting as a reserve. Foreign Red Cross units, including British, stationed at Waldia, are working at high pressure in attending the wounded.