AIR TERROR

Southland Times, Issue 25362, 14 August 1935, Page 7

AIR TERROR

ITALIAN EFFICIENCY ABYSSINIA’S WEAK DEFENCE OBSOLETE WEAPONS (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, August 12. The Sun-Herald says that the flesh of the nation tends to creep at the repeated stories from Rome of the terrible efficiency of the Italian Army and Air Force and the likelihood of Abyssinians who are preparing for conflict by the sharpening of swords and the oiling of obsolete muskets being drenched with poison gas. General Smuts has 'warned the Italians that they may bite off more than they can chew, seeing it is one thing to overwhelm a country and another to occupy it, but air circles have no doubt that "when the Italians release the bloodiest air terror in history it will bring the campaign to a swift climax. The most decisive factor is expected to be a fleet of high-power bombers dropping 600 tons of high explosive daily, shattering the Abyssinian resistance and driving the forces back to permit the unrestricted advance of the Italian ground army. Italy at the beginning of 1935 possessed 1507 front-line aeroplanes, but it has considerably reconstituted the force since, including the construction of bombers. The Abyssinians’ handful of fighting machines are mostly antiquated and they could offer only the weakest resistance against the Italian machines. Official circles scout the supposed Abyssinian offer to cede a portion of Ogaden to Italy, but King Seilassie now explains that his offer to cede territory in exchange for economic advantages did not apply to Ogaden, but referred to Mr Anthony Eden’s suggestion regarding Zeila. TROOPS FOR AFRICA DAILY PASSAGE THROUGH CANAL. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 11.25 p.m.) London, August 13. The Alexandria correspondent of The Times says the passage of Italian reinforcements through the Suez Canal to Eritrea is proceeding apace. Transports pass Port Said daily, also Greek and Danish cargo ships with munitions and other supplies, including beer, as wine has been found too heating for the troops. Most of the transport movement is at night time. Ships are berthed well away from the town, particularly ships returning to Italy with invalids. Jt is estimated that homeward bound hospital ships have already carried over 5000 cases of malaria and dysentery and a few of typhoid. No soldiers are allowed ashore from the transports. ITALY’S UNPAID DEBTS COAL EXPORTERS SUFFER. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, August 12.

Tyneside coal exporters seriously regard the Italian indebtedness, totalling £500.000. Twelve firms are involved and exporters decline to accept further commitments. A number of Durban collieries are consequently suffering a shortage of work. South Wales has been severely hit by delayed payments. A total of £1,700,000 of Italian exchange awaits transfer into sterling. The bulk of this turn is owing to coal exporters. FAITH IN LEAGUE ABYSSINIANS HOPEFUL. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Addis Ababa. August 12. The Emperor in a speech said: “'The danger of war is becoming more and more serious, but we still place hope in the League, especially in Britain, who is always ready to defend the rights of other nations. If war comes Ethiopia will defend the country to the last drop of blood.” ABYSSINIA’S POLICY MANDATE NOT ACCEPTABLE. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 7.20 p.m.) London. August 13. The special correspondent of The Times at Addis Ababa says it is now possible to indicate the Emperor’s policy more clearly. He will accept no arrangement which limits in any way the sovereignty of Abyssinia or affects her political independence or territorial integrity. He would, it is believed, accept economic or social aid from the League, but not a mandate or any solution outside the framework of the League Covenant. It is officially denied that the Emperor offered to cede territory against economic advantages, but the idea of an exchange of territory still appears to be acceptable. GENERAL SMUTS’S VIEWS REPERCUSSIONS OF CONFLICT. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Cape Town, August 12. General Smuts, interviewed, said the whole system of civilization had been shaken to its foundations. If the League failed to avert war the world would revert to the old system of alliances and Europe would be divided once more into hostile camps. A great conflict in Africa on the borders of British territory must lead to serious repercussions and raise anxious feelings between the white and the black with serious results. There was no doubt there were some points of contact between Abyssinia and Japan yet not disclosed. In some curious way the African question might get linked up with the Asiatic. It was quite possible that Italy might overwhelm Abyssinia at first with aeroplanes and gas, but it would be another thing to occupy it.