DOUBTS CAST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22352, 25 February 1936, Page 9

DOUBTS CAST

ITALIAN_CLAIMS SLOWNESS OF ADVANCE VICTORY NOT EXPLOITED CRITICISM IN THE TIMES By Tolegrnph—Press Association— .Copyright (Received February 24, 8.5 p.m.) LONDON. Feb. 23 In spite of the Italian claim of considerable success in the battle of Amba Aradam, the Times, in a leading article, points out that a week's operations culminated only in the capture of a height two or three miles from the starting point, suggesting that the resistance was very effective or the Italian methods were even more deliberate than in the innumerable battles of the Isonzo in 1915-17, which are a gloomy parallel for the present invasion. Moreover, if Ras Mulugeta was routed so completely with such disproportionate loss, it is curious that the Italians have not exploited their victory more strikingly, instead of leaving the harrying of a beaten foe to the Air Force. The Italians have still to prove, says the Times, that they can move sufficiently fast in mountainous country to cut off Ras Kassa and Ras Seyoum while the advance on Amba Alagi is continuing cautiously in short stages. Even from there it is several hundred miles to Addis Ababa. The Italians' most promising line of advance for a decisive issue is still to Harrar, which General Graziani attempted and stopped in order to attack Ncgelli. Whether they possess the men and the time for a successful resumption of the Harrar attack remains to be seen. MASS IN SUBMARINE NOVEL CELEBRATION RADIO RELAY TO ALL ITALY (Received February 24, 6.15 p.m.) ROME. Feb. 24 With an altar erected in the tcrpedolaunching chamber, the Archbishop of Taranto celebrated Mass in one of the largest Italian submarines, submerged to a depth of ninety feet, in the presence of naval, military and civil officials. The Archbishop extolled the bravery of the Italians in East Africa, and prayed for King Victor Emmanuel, Signor Mussolini and the Navy. The Mass was relayed by radio throughout Italy. QUESTION OF OIL BAN REPORT OF EXPERTS CONSIDERATION NEXT MONDAY British Wireless RUGBY. Feb. 23 The announcement is made from Geneva that the Committee of Eighteen will meet on March 2 to discuss, in the light of the recent report of the committee of experts, the question of applying an oil embargo to Italy. Mr. Anthony Eden will almost certainly attend, and it is understood M. Flandin will also be present. Geneva messages also suggest that the committee may study the application of other possible sanctions which rfiight be used to assist Abyssinia as the victim of aggression. RESISTING INVADERS UNITED RELIGIOUS SECTS DESERTERS ADDRESS RALLY LONDON. Feb. 23 A message from Addis Ababa states that Somaliland chiefs who deserted the Italian forces addressed a patriotic rally of tens of thousands of Moslems and Copts. They recounted stories of Italian atrocities The assemblage, after hearing the speeches of the leaders of all sects, pledged Christians and Mohammedans to unite in resisting the invaders of Abyssinia. Gerazmatch Johannes, with 5000 men equipped with mountain artillery and anti-tank batteries, has departed to reinforce Ras Desta's Sidamo detachments, which are still effective because tho occupied territory is unaffected by General Graziani's recent drive. Nevertheless, General Graziani's advance from southern Dolo toward Ncgelli renders their situation critical.