ITALIAN OPERATIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22247, 23 October 1935, Page 13

ITALIAN OPERATIONS

LINE STRAIGHTENED ABYSSINIAN PLANS FOILED RAIN AFFECTS PROGRESS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received October 22. ixo p.m.) ROME, Oct. 21 A message from Rome states that, although it is claimed that General Graziani's operations in the Ogaden area foiled the Abyssinian plan •which was being carried out under Ras Dasta and Ras Nasibu, with the supervision of a Turkish general, Wehib Pasha, they have not substantially advanced the Italian line. General Graziani on Friday, since when rain has halted operations, decided, to straighten his line. He used native soldiers, namely, Askaris and irregular bands of Somalis, under Italian officers. These troops stormed the fortified and rocky height of Dagnerei, in the Sciaveli region, between Berdale and Gorahai and overlooking the Webbe Shibeli Riveir. Also, they attacked the roughly fortified village of E>egamboko, where the Abyssinians had concentrated arms and ammunition. Ten airmen dropped bombs, swooped down and fired machine-guns at the position. Five aeroplanes were ineffectively hit by rifle bullets. The Somalis advanced in skirmishing order in a rain storm and drove out the defenders into the bush. The Italians claim that the Abyssinians lost 50 dead, many wounded and scores of prisoners, besides two cannons, two machine-guns and ammunition. The Italians' losses comprised 14 natives killed and 40 natives wounded. Simultaneously Italians stormed ancl t set fire to the village of Berdale, 60 miles from the border and 40 miles from the Webbe Shibeli River, thus securing a fertile oasis. These details show that the claim that the Italians advance has reached the neighbourhood of Harrar is exaggerated, as their line, which is 400 miles long, is less than 100 miles from the actual border of Abyssinian territory at any point. It is reported from Asmara that the Italians on the Ogaden front captured valuable positions at Soillave and Daguerre. The Abyssinians lost heavily and fled in disorder, abandoning two guns and many machine-guns and rifles.