Somaliland Situation Serious

Northern Advocate, 16 August 1940, Page 6

Somaliland Situation Serious

Italian Troops Advance More Rapidly Than Was Expected

Superior Forces Drive British Back i Received noon.) LOXROX, An amt Id. JT IS AUTHORITATIVELY STATED THAT THE SOMALILAND SITUATION IS STILL SERIOUS. The Italians iuive advanced alone- tlie Zeila-I>ei*hiira coast road more rapidly than was expected and are now 20 miles west of Ex bill liar. The Italians number 9000 or 10,000 and the British forces are heavily outnumbered. Speaking in tlm House of Commons. .Ur. Churchill said: “1 have bad news From Somaliland, where the small British forces boldine- • Ing-arimn have been driven back by greatly superior' forces amounting to two divisions with armoured units and considerable art illei-y. “Operations are continuing. “I will make a statement on the position and also on the general situation in the House on Tuesday. “The House will adjourn on Thursday until September o."

Violent Attack. Today's war communique issued in Cairo states: “In Somaliland yesterday the enemy, having brought up fresh effectives. launched a violent attack. “After holding their forward positions for several hours and causing the enemy severe losses, our troops fell back to positions in the rear where the lighting continues. "It in vow known that the enemy is employing against us the greater part of two divisions, complete with artillery and armoured lighting vehicles, originally intended. to oppose the French forces in French Somaliland. “There is nothing to report on other fronts.”

A Rome communique says the Italian operations in British Somaliland are in full swing. Fierce fighting is occurring, in which the Italian Air Force is playing an effective part. British prisoners and arms have been captured.