SECOND EDITION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22319, 17 January 1936, Page 10

SECOND EDITION

BOMB OUTRAGE O ITALIAN AIRMEN RED CROSS ATTACKED TOWN" SET OX FIRE BRITISH OFFICER'S REPORT Br Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright (Received January IT, 1.45 a.m.) DESSIE, Jan. 16 Italian airmen in three Caproni aeroplanes are reported to have bombed an Abyssinian Red Cross ambulance unit commanded bj ft Briton; Major Burgoyne. at Waldia, mid-way between Dess'.e and Lake Ashajigi. Major Burgoyne was not hurt, but a number of his assistants are believed to have been wounded. Two tents, some medical instruments and stores were destroyed, in srnte or t.he that Bed Cross markings were clearly visible. The Italians then proceeded to attack the town of Waldia with incenciarv bombs. A strong wind carried the Sanies with great rapidity. At. least 14 people were killed and oo wounded, most of whom were women, old men and children. A British ambulance with four doctors and 12 assistants was rushed to Wa'dia in response to Major Burgoyne s telegram late at night along a dangerous road. The remainder of the unit, under Dr. Melly, left at dawn. Major ' Burgoyne's telegram stated that Waldia had been intensively bombed for 70 minutes, the native town making a conspicuous target and the grass roofs being easily set on fire. Major Burgoyne served in the Boer War. He is a barrister of the Middle Temple/ He arrived at Addis Ababa in November and the Emperor appointed him to command a train or 100 Red Cross mules. Although he is over 60 vears of age he mane the 300 miles journey to Dfssifi on foot. Two Irish doctors named Brophil and Hickey are believed to be stationed near Waldia. There is no news of them. FEELING IN GENEVA LEAGUE CIRCLES INDIGNANT QUESTION TO BE DISCUSSED (Received January IT. 1.45 a.m.) GENEVA. Jan. 1G ! Everyone is asking what Italy hopes to gain by such violations of civilised warfare as the bombing of Red Cross •units. League circles are most indignant and the whole question now is certain ,to be discussed by the Council, which may demand an explanation from Italy. It is suggested that teignor Mussolini is seeking excuses to break uith the League.