IN ABYSSINIA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22524, 15 September 1936, Page 9

IN ABYSSINIA

CONQUERORS UNEASY COUNTRY NOT PACIFIED LONDON, Sept. 6 Although the Italian Government is busy telling the world that Abyssinia is "almost entirely pacified," and that the inhabitants are grateful, conditions are far from satisfactory, and the conquerors are becoming uneasy. Addis Ababa itself is by no means the peaceful paradise described in official reports. Food is short, disorder is rampant and the Italians are fighting among themselves. It is evident that Signor Mussolini's troubles are only beginning. A large area of Abyssinian territory has not yet been occupied and much that is occupied has not been pacified. Many of the occupied areas are cut off and the Italians do not even command the roads leading to them. The Italians may r.end strong armed motor columns along a few passable roads to distant provinces without opposition, but they are at once encircled.

Machine-guns are fired in the town every jiight, reports the correspondent of the Manchester Guardian. The occupants live in fear of the constantly renewed attacks of the rebels, who are in possession of the environs. "There can be no conquest of such territory*" the correspondent asserts, "because it is impossible to post detachments sufficiently strong to hold it. Smaller groups have been immediately annihilated.

"Such columns as were sent out in the first frenzy of victory have not since been heard of. Addis Ababa has been almost beleaguered since the July attack and a panic arises every few days. Defences have been constructed with barbed-wire entanglements at exposed points. "At present almost the whole of the garrison is concentrated at the last points attacked, as though no other dangerous ones existed. The defence works huve been carried to the centre of the town and there are strong machine-gun detachments opposite St. George's Church. The Italian officers are increasingly nervous.

"The food supply is in a critical condition because the railway cannot cope with the demands. Flour, sugar, and some other foodstuffs are unobtainable. Many of the Italian troops complain that they are half-starved. "The situation is made worse by the lack of political unity among the conquerors. Fascist militia, and the regular army are squabbling over commandeered property, with the result that Italian prestige among the natives is lowered. "There was little to be said in favour of the old administration, but so far the position has not improved.

"The Italians are not yet organisers. The southerners, with their. regretful, ingratiating smile, are suggestive of the former Abyssinian officials; the northerners ape the pre-war Prussian official style, but are less effective than the Prussians."

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