ON THE MARCH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22206, 5 September 1935, Page 11

ON THE MARCH

ABYSSINIAN TEOOPS BOUND FOR FRONTIERS ITALIANS CONCENTRATING SIGNAL BONFIRES READY By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Times Cable LONDON, Sept. 3 The Addis Ababa correspondent of the Times reports that without speeches or the beat of drums 5000 well-equipped regular soldiers entrained for Diredawa, where they will alight for Walwal to join the army corps of 10,000 men. Five thousand more will follow tomorrow. The troops ploughed through mud to the trains, their rifles slung on their shoulders, goatskins full of parched grain on their heads and their water-gourds at their sides. Some of the men were carrying blankets, some muslin tents and lion skins, some shields and knives. They climbed into the cars after a few words of encouragement from the War Minister, Mulai Geta. The commander, Dedjasmatch Abta Mikael. Governor of Kullo, who, his followers declare, helped to smash the Italians at Adowa, does not fear to face thorn again though ho does not expect to return. A number of Ethiopian flying officers are leaving Addis Ababa for the Eritrea n frontier. Hundreds of bonfires have been laid on tho hilltops in readiness to signalise the opening of hostilities. Fifty thousand Italians are concentrating on the Eritrean frontier. A Nairobi message says that four Air Force bombers and 200 troops from Egypt will be stationed there. FEAR IN ABYSSINIA HOSTILITIES IMMINENT PROTECTIVE MEASURES (Received Soptember 5, 12.35 a.m.) ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 4 A large bomb-proof and gas-proof cellar has been constructed in the precincts of the Palace. A supply of gas masks has been ordered from the United States. Hundreds of bonfires have been prepared from tho front line to 150 miles to the rear. When the Italians attack first, they will bo lit and within an hour the rearmost fire will be alight. It is reported that hostilities are imminent. Thirty thousand Italians are massed on the Eritrean frontier. The Conciliation Commission's decision is welcomed in the capital as a partial victory for Abyssinia, which has never tried to make a casus belli out of the Walwal incident.

WALWAL INCIDENT COMMISSION'S VERDICT NEITHER SIDE BLAMED (Received September i, 11.55 p.m.) PARIS, Sept. 3 The Italo-Ethiopian Conciliation Commission has decided that no direct responsibility attaches either to Italy or to Abyssinia for the Walwal incident of last December. Observers express the opinion that this verdict may prevent Italy from using the incident against Abyssinia at Genera. M. Politis, in an interview with a representative of Le Matin, said the Italian arbitrators showed a conciliatory spirit and a desire for appeasement. This was illustrated by the unanimous vote. Everything was done to preserve Italian self-respect.

The Abyssinian version of the Walwal affair was that Italian troops, with tanks and aeroplanes, on December 6, attacked the Abyssinian escort of an Anglo-Abyssinian Commission which was investigating pasture lands in Walwal. This, it was alleged, was followed three days later by a bombardment of Ado and Gerlogubi. The Italians claimed that an attack was made by a strong body of Abyssinians, with a detachment of machinegunners and a field-piece, on the Italian Dative garrison at the wells of Walwal.

The Conciliation Commission as originally constituted consisted of Count Aldovrandi and Signor Montagna, representing Italy, and Mr. B. Potter, an American, and M. de la Pradelle, a Frenchman, representing Abyssinia. As the commission was not able to agree upon a decision a fifth arbitrator was appointed in the person of M. Politis (Greece). MALTA PRECAUTIONS PRAYERS FOR PEACE MALTA, Sept. 3 Pilgrimages and prayers for peace are general in Malta. The crew of the survey vessel Ormonde has been transferred to minesweepers. The police are collecting details of all motor-cars in the event of it becoming necessary to commandeer them.