ROUND ADOWA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22211, 11 September 1935, Page 13

ROUND ADOWA

ITALIAN TROOPS BIG CONCENTRATION EXPECTED ATTACK DENIAL BY EOME [WAITING ON GENEVA By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (■Received September 10. 5.15 p.m.) LONDON. Sept. 10 The News Chronicle's Addis Ababa correspondent says the concentration of Italian troops threatens the Abyssinian province of Agame and indicates a flank attack in an attempt to encircle Adowa and Aksum.' Infantry, Black Shirts and native levies, with artillery, tanks and big lorry convoys, are concentrating at Addi Ugri, just south of Asmara, and at Addi Caie, further to the south-east, also upon a third point which, in the fashion typical of the Ethiopian Government, cannot be found on the maps. Inasmuch as the frontier river Mareb and the mountain torrents are flooded and will not be negotiable for three weeks, the move is regarded as Italian bluff for Geneva. Also it may be part of the Italian military time-table The Daily Mail's Rome coi respondent says Italy denies that she is massing troops for an attack. It is pointed out that although she has'not formally undertaken to refrain from taking military measures while the conciliation committee is sitting Italy will not launch an unprovoked attack while Geneva is examining the dispute.

NOT READY YET ITALIANS' PREPARATIONS REASON FOR MOVING TROOPS (Received September 10, 11.55 p.m.) ITimes Cable LONDON, Sept. 10 The Addis Ababa correspondent of the Times states that the Ethiopian authorities believe that the movements oi the Italian forces fan wise from Asmara to the centre of the Tigre frontier are to make room for new troops expected from Massawa. Three roads from Asmar.-. threaten the Adowa plateau. The Rome correspondent of the paper 6ays the Italian preparations in AbysBinia are incomplete. Many troops and much munitions have still to be embarked. It is thought, in the absence of unforeseen developments, that the most probable date of the commencement of hostilities -will be the first week in October.

REPORTED ZERO HOUR INTERCEPTED MESSAGE SEPTEMBER 24 NAMED LONDON, Sept. 9 It is reported that an intercepted Italian message revealed that zero hour has been fixed for September 24. The news of Italian troop movements led to 25,000 cavalry, mostly Ghallas, being ordered to proceed to Ogaden. It is understood that the total number of Abyssinian troops guarding the frontier now is 400,000. It is estimated that 10,000 Italians have advanced south to Addi Quala, south of Asmora. and further southwest to Barachit, taking up a line 40 miles long. The Italian Legation states that the movements are purely routine movements for the training of the troops.

POSSIBLE SOLUTION • I - LEAGUE MANDATE PLAN FRANCE SUPPORTS BRITAIN (Received September 10. 5.15 p.m.) Times Cable LONDON'. Sept. 10 The Geneva correspondent of the Times states that while the conciliation sub-committee explores the Italian contentions, the general principles of a possible settlement are taking shape. It is understood that the British at the right moment intend to propose a collective Abyssinian mandate, possibly to bo exercised by the League through a High Commissioner, or by Britain, France and Italy on behalf of the League, but the British insist that the scheme must be freely accepted by Abyssinia. • It is understood that M. Laval and the French delegation have rallied to this plan, although they were originally inclined to support the proposal inspired by Rome that there should be an Italian mandate. M. Laval, however, was in a minority in his own Cabinet on this subject and took 'a warning from the attitude of M. Litvinoff (Russia), who refused to serve on the conciliation committee, and M. Herriot, whose stand for the League at a recent meeting brought the French policy generally into line with the British. The Daily Telegraph's Geneva correspondent says it can be positively Stated noTv that if a position arises in which Britain feels the necessity for sanctions France will give her full support. M. Lnval now is convinced that no other course will be possible.

COUNCIL ELECTION r _ POSITION OF CHAIRMAN GENEVA. Sept. 9 The representatives of 54 States took Part to-day in the ballot for presidency of the Council of the League of Nations, from which Mr. de Valera withdrew. Benes (Czecho-Slovakia) was ®lected with 49 votes. . In acknowledging his election Dr. Benes said: " I cannot conceal tho Rrftve dangers tho moment, but I _ Ve not only the hope but the certainty that wo will prevail over our difficulties and emerge triumphant.' Iho Italians' abstention from taking P ar t in the proceedings seemingly only applies to the Council. When the Abysf'.niiln problem arises Baron Aloisi and colleagues will be present in full aSllife.