RAID IN SOMALILAND

Otago Witness, Issue 2809, 15 January 1908, Page 26

RAID IN SOMALILAND

MASSOWAH, January 10. Two v thousand Abyssinians raided a territory in Italian Somaliland, killing and plundering many of the merchants. i Some of the tribes sided "with the Abyssinians and some with the Italians. A battle was fought, and the losses were very great on both sides. It is believed that King Menelik did not authorise the raid. January 13. King Menelik says he was astonished j and grieved on learning from the Italian Charge d'Affaires at Addis Abeba of the violation of the status quo at Tugh, and expressed his deepest regret. He renewed his professions of friendship for Italy, and he- laid the whole responsibility on the rebellious Amhara • chiefs. He also promises to recall any Abyssinians remaining in the Tugh and Benadir hinterland, and mete out exemplary punishment to the guilty as well as indemnify the sufferers. i ROME, January Ik ! Much anxiety is felt in Italy at the critical condition of the garrison in the Tugh district of- Abyssinia, who are 200 miles from the coast. The cruisers Caprera and -Arethusa have ! been ordered to the Benadir Coast.