ITALIAN VICTORY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22320, 18 January 1936, Page 13

ITALIAN VICTORY

SOUTH ABYSSINIA DEFENDERS FALL BACK DESPERATE RESISTANCE PURSUED IN RETREAT By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received Janunry 17. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. Jan. 10 Despatches from Home state that the Italian commander-in-chief in Abyssinia, Marshal Badoglio, in a communique, claims that during the four days during which the fighting in the region of the Ganale Dorya River lasted the Italians under General Graziani advanced to a depth of 4H miles, overcoming everywhere the enemy's desperate resistance. Ras Desta's troops retired in disorder and the Italians are pursuing them, but strong enemy rearguards have sheltered in caverns in an effort to slacken the pursuit. The Abyssinian losses were considerable and will be ascertained later. Correspondents report that the advance was on a 90-mile front. They admit that the Abyssinians fought very gallantly, repeatedly retiring to new defensive positions. This made it necessary for Italian regulars, Askaris, Black Shirts and irregulars, supported by tanks and armoured cars, to charge 20 times before they achieved victory. Fleeing Abyssinians Mowed Down The antagonists frequently clashed in sanguinary hand-to-hand fighting. The Abyssinians posted machine-guns in trenches, which, however, were times not well situated. Moreover, tanks were enabled to take them from the rear or to enfilade them. Nevertheless, the Italians did not receive all the help expected from the mechanised units, which were hampered by heavy undergrowth and difficult ground. The Abyssinians resisted for four hours on the last line of trenches, at which Askaris continually hammered. Finally, on the 20th charge, in which the whole Italian line surged forward, the Abyssinians broke and fled. They were pursued by armoured cars which mowed them down by machine-guns. The Abyssinian cavalry niado an effort to check the Italian skirmishers advancing on the Ganale Dorya. Tanks hastened to their support and the horsemen, in spite of the tanks raking them with machine-guns, heroically charged several times, but were dispersed with heavy losses. Main Obstacles Overcome In the meanwhile airmen bombed the Abyssinian rear at Bas Desta's headquarters to prevent the arrival of reinforcements. The Italians claim that the victory was one of the most, effective in colonial warfare, also that they now command two important caravan routes leading to the fertile regions of Sidamo. Another column captured villages on route to Jijiga, and a third drove back Ras Nasibu's troops, who are now fortifying Dagabur and Sasa Baneh. Nevertheless, the Italians declare that they have overcome the main obstacle against them reaching Harrar and eventually cutting the Jibouti railway. Addis Ababa does not confirm Bas Desta's defeat, but it is believed he is in difficulties owing to the partial breakdown of transport. The Borne correspondent of the Times says General Graziani's success has greatly encouraged the Italians, who declare the world is now assured that Italy, in spito of anti-Fascism, and untouched by two months of sanctions, will pursue her military operations, which now are entering upon a fresh phase of activity.

BOMBED RED CROSS ITALIAN DECLARATION (Received January 17. 6.5 p.m.) LONDON. Jan. 17 A message from Rome says a batch of denials to-day includes one that Marshal JBadoglio has been recalled. Also denied is Major G. A. Burgoyne's story of the bombing of a Red Cross unit at Walden. With regard to the latter, the official spokesman alleges that the ambulance ■was among military huts, contrary to international law.

Major Burgoyno is a brother of the late Sir Alan Burgoyne, wine merchant. He went to Abyssinia seeking excitement and adventure. Lady Barton, wife of the British Minister at Addis Ababa, raised the funds to equip his ambulance.

TROOPS FOR EGYPT BRITISH FORCE LANDED (Received January 17, 6.5 p.m.) ALEXANDRIA, Jan. 1C The Cunard and White Star liner Scythia, which recently was converted into a transport, has arrived from Southampton and landed three battalions of infantry at Alexandria.