ABYSSINIAN FRONT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24604, 12 May 1941, Page 6

ABYSSINIAN FRONT

ADVANCE ON AMBA ALAGI FURTHER PROGRESS MADE STRONG POSITIONS CAPTURED (Rec. 10 p.m.) CAIRO, May 10. In Abyssinia, Imperial forces, advancing irom both the north and south on Amba Alagi have made further progress, capturing prisoners and indicting casualties on the enemy. In the Eastern Gojjam area our troops killed 80 and wounded 200 of the enemy garrison retreating from Debra Marcos. In the south, after heavy fighting spread over some days, the enemy has been ejected from strongly prepared positions, one of which was eight miles in depth. Our leading troops are now approaching a point 45 miles south of Neghelli and Alghe and similar distance north of the Yadellos." Patriots under British officers have captured Orchow. They are reported to be within 18 miles of the Indian forces advancing fr.om the north, who are now attacking Toselli Pass, in the Amba Alagi mountains. , . Competent commentators in Britain express no opinion as to the likely duration of the fighting in Abyssinia. So far as is known, there are some 33,000 Italian troops still at large, as well as an unspecified number of native troops, who might easily continue resistance for some considerable time. This course is undoubtedly being urged by the Germans, and with the resolute leadership 'of the Duke of Aosta, coupled with the difficulties o£ the terrain confronting the attackers, resistance can be carried out as Jong as the Italiar morale holds. The roads are easily blocked, as many run along precipitous cliffs or through tunnels, and readily lend themselves to effective demolition. Fighting continues, therefore, as the British Imperial forces advance. Recent captures include a machine-gun company and Italian grenadiers' battalion.

EMPEROR'S GRATITUDE THANKS TO BRITISH FORCES (Rec. 10 p.m.) RUGBY, May 10. In a telegram to Mr Churchill expressing "gratitude for the sympathy and kindness shown to his men in the past and for the support of the armed forces in the present," and his pride in the fact that his own people, in collaboration with the British Imperial forces, would be able to play a part in the defeat of the enemy, the Emperor. Haile Selassie, asked that his thanks be given to the forces which participated in the campaign. Mr Churchill replied: "It was with deep and universal pleasure that the British nation learned of your Imperial Majesty's welcome home to vour capital. Addis Ababa. Your Majesty was the first of the lawful sovereigns to be- driven from his throne and country by the Fascist and Nazi criminals, and is now the first to return in triumph. Your Majesty's thanks will be duly conveyed to the commanders, officers "and men of the British and Empire forces who aided the Ethiopian patriots in the total final destruction of the Italian military usurpation. The British Government looks forward to ? long period of peace and progress in Ethiopia after the forces of evil have been l finally overthrown."