MILITIA FOR ABYSSINIA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 18 February 1935, Page 5

MILITIA FOR ABYSSINIA

FAREWELL SCENES IN ITALY CHEERED BY ENTHUSIASTIC CROWDS (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copy right) ROME, 16th February. Mussolini reviewed two battalions of Blackshirt Fascist militia, mobilised by postcard, prior to departure to Italian East Africa. The Prince of Piedmont reviewed the third battalion at Naples. Many left businesses at 48 hours’ notice. Big camps are established at Syracuse and Palermo, where a holiday atmosphere prevails. Enthusiastic crowds in the streets and at railway station.* farewelled the militia.

REVIEWED BY MUSSOLINI

LONDON, 16th February. The British United Press at Naples says 1000 Fascist militia sailed for East Africa fully equipped in colonial warfare uniform. Crowds cheered from the quayside. The troops were reviewed by Mussolini at Rome and are sailing later. MESSINA, 16th February. Troops arriving are concentrating in a large camp. They understand they will be transported to Eritrea, Italian Somaliland. Another camp lias been pitched at Syracuse-.