NIGHT ATTACK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22344, 15 February 1936, Page 13

NIGHT ATTACK

OGADEN FRONT ITALIANS REPULSED DEFENDERS' TROOPS • BIG REINFORCEMENTS 20 PER CENT WOMEN By Telegraph'—Press Association—Copyright (Received February 14, 5.25 p.m.) Times Cable LONDON, Feb. 14 The Dessye correspondent of the Times, in a copyright message from Dessye, says the Abyssinians claim that on Tuesday they repulsed an allnight Italian attack on the Abyssinian outpost of Imi on the Fafan River, Ogaden, which was strongly held, as it is at the head of the motor road from Dagamodo to Addis Ababa. An eye-witness relates that a constant stream of Abyssinian reinforcements is moving up to Tembien. Of these reinforcements, at least 20 per cent are women dressed as men and ' carrying ntlcs and ammunition. It' is officially stated that the Abyssinians killed 200 Askaris at Curati on Tuesday and captured large supplies of clothing, food and ammunition. A message from Rome, however, states that the Italian Government's official spokesman declares that General Graziani's troops never held Curati and that it is now part of the Abyssinians' " lving campaign " to announce that Italian troops occupied the town and then were compelled to evacuate it.

BRITISH ATTACHE ITALIAN ALLEGATIONS OFFICIAL DENIAL GIVEN (Received February 14, 5.25 p.m.) 'Times Cable LONDON, Feb. 14 A copyright message to the Times from Dessye states that officials at the Ethiopian headquarters are amused at the allegation that Lieutenant-Colonel Holt is acting as the Emperor's chief military adviser. They emphasise that the officer named is merely performing his duties as British military attache. A telegram from Rome states that the British Ambassador, Sir Eric Drummond,' called to-day on the Italian Foreign Under-Secretary, Signor Suvich, and pointed out there was not the slightest ground for the absurd Allegation.

CONFLICTING FIGURES REPORTS OF CASUALTIES BATTLE OF TEMBIEN Tii/ies Cable LONDON, Feb. 13 The special correspondent of the Times at Addis Ababa, commenting on the conflicting reports of the casualties in the Tembien battle, states that while it seems clear that Ras Kassa gained an important victor.?, the magnitude 'of the figures of the Abvssinians' burials of Italian and Askari dead (more than 19,000) surprises impartial observers. The writer says the Italian assertion of light losses in the advance from Dolo, in'which only 261 natives were killed in January, is inexplicably light ;when the official reports of the severity of the battle are remembered. FRENCH RAILWAY ETHIOPIAN PROTEST MUNITIONS NOT CARRIED PARIS, Feb. 13 The Ethiopian Minister in Paris has protested to the French Foreign Minister, M. Flandin, against the refusal of the French owners of the railway to carry munitions between Jibouti and -'Addis Ababa. M. Flandin is reported to have replied that the Government did Hot propose to change its policy.

ITALIAN SHIPPING

SOUTH AFRICAN SUBSIDY CONTINUATION INTENDED CAPETOWN. Feb. 13 In reply to a question in Parliament, lie Prime Minister, General Hertzog, laid the Government would continue to (>ay the subsidy to Italian shipping lines under the shipping agreement. South Africa dould rely upon the assistance of other members of the League inly if she joined in collective action. A member of the League against frhom measures were adopted which frere not recommended by the League Council would have legitimate reasons lor complaining. Thn Government saw reason for starting to play a lone Mnd in taking steps which were not tecommended.' ■ None of tho recommendations in regard to sanctions had a bearing on the fubsidy to Italian shipping.