FRESH OFFENSIVE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22834, 19 March 1936, Page 9

FRESH OFFENSIVE

THE ITALIANS PREPARING AERIAL BOMBARDMENT (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) ADDIS ABABA, March 17. Five thousand gallas of the Azebo tribe, whom the Italians supplied with arms and money to enable them to revolt, brought the money and arms to the Emperor, to whom they swore allegiance. Consistent though unconfirmed reports support the belief that the Italians are in grave danger of being cut off at Amba Alagi. The Emperor Scllassic is reported to be in personal command of the defenders. An intense aerial bombardment is sweeping the entire front. It is believed it is a prelude to a fresh offensive by General Graziana. The Italians hope to prevent the Abyssinian reassembling their forces on the extreme left — namely, the Negelli sector, where Pas Desta was defeated. A Djibuti message states that the oil concessionist, Mr Pickett, has arrived by air en route to Addis Ababa, ostensibly on a diplomatic mission. RED CROSS PLANE BOMBED LONDON, March 17. The Dessye correspondent of The Times says an Italian bombing plane destroyed at Quoram, but not irreparably, the Fokker aeroplane which Emperor Sellassie presented to the Abyssinian Red Cross, usually piloted by the Swedish Baron von Rossen. The Fokker was plainly marked with a red cross on both wings and was standing unconcealed on the plain. The Italian machine, descended to within 600 feet, using a machine gun and bombs. The officer in charge, Dr Juno, reported the occurrence at Geneva, pointing out that the Fokker was not connected with military services. THE PEACE APPEAL (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, March 17. It is announced that the Committee of Thirteen •of the" Council of the League of Nations will.meet in London to-morrow to consider the replies of Italy and Abyssinia to its appeal for the immediate opening of peace negotiations. Both replies are in the affirmative in principle.