RAINS CHECKING PROGRESS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22260, 7 November 1935, Page 13

RAINS CHECKING PROGRESS

NEW ROADS GREATLY DAMAGED SURRENDER OF A DANAKIL CHIEF LONDON, Nor. S Although the present rains in Abyssinia are unseasonable and are not expected to continue correspondents say they are virtually cloudbursts and have greatly damaged the new roads to Makale and bogged artillery and mechanised units. The Italians hope to continue the advance on Thursday. In the meanwhile, supplies are being dropped from aeroplanes. The special correspondent of the British United Press with the Italians that General de Bono had ordered the advance to be halted to permit of the bringing up of supplies and road construction, which is very difficult owing to the unseasonable rains. When this is completed the thrust toward Makale will,be resumed. Operations to-day and to-morrow will be limited to straightening the line. It is estimated that the advance has covered 4300 square miles of Abyssinian territory.

Italy's Danakil allies continue their southward advance in the direction of the Jibouti railway, which will not be attacked without reinforcements. The immediate result of the progress in Danakil is the submission to Italy of Dedjasmatch Waldgebrield, chief of the Agama district, which is regarded as the most important surrender sincfe those of Gugsa and the Aksum chieftains. A communique from General de Bono issued in Rome records the occupation of Hauzien and other points, and adds: " The advance was very fast, the fleeing before us arid our troops being welcomed everywhere.