ITALY UNEASY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19125, 21 September 1936, Page 13

ITALY UNEASY

UNREST IN ABYSSINIA COUNTRY NOT CONQUERED DISORDERS IN CAPITAL LONDON, Sept." 5. Though 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 lighting among themselves. It is evident that 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 send 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 city every night, 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 suflieienllv strong to hold it. Smaller groups have been immediately wiped out. “Such columns, which 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, ns though no other dangerous ones existed. “The defence works have 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. TROOPS HALF-STARVED “The food supply is in a critical condition because the' railway is unable to eope 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 lack of political unity among the conquerors. Fascist militia ’ and the regular army squabble oyer 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 thus far the position lids not improved.

“The Italians are not yet organisers. Tlje 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.”