EAST AFRICA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24506, 15 January 1941, Page 7

EAST AFRICA

ITALIANS IN ABYSSINIA ISOLATED FrtOM HELP WOMEN AND CHILDREN REPORTED BRITISH OFFER fßritish Official Wireless) (United Press Association) .■■ .-:_ > . • (T?y Elee-tric Telegraph— Copyrignt) RUGBY, Jan. 13. \ (Received Jan. 14],' at 7 p.m.) ■"-: !■ The sharp reversal of fortune which has been suffered by, the Italians in North Africa has completely, disillusioned Fascists in East Africa, who based their hopes on ah early conquest of Egypt and the Sudan. There is also growing evidence, that within Abyssinia, in particular, the position of the Italians is becoming increasingly delicate and it is now recognised that they- are ringed about by the British forces and are cut off from all prospect of help from outside. Meanwhile, they are faced with the spread of rebellion in Abyssinia, and anxiety for the safety of the families of the Italians has led to requests for their shelter. It .is authoritatively stated that Britain is prepared to facilitate the evacuation of Italian women and children .from East Africa if Italy desires this. As the prospect of Italian military defeat in East Africa in the near future appears very probable, the British authorities are concerned for the welfare of helpless Italian noncombatants. It is also believed that the French authorities, in Djibouti' are prepared to co-operate in arranging their return home. -. '.. , .■'•' '