SLOW ADVANCE

Southland Times, Issue 22728, 2 November 1935, Page 5

SLOW ADVANCE

ITALIAN ARMIES ESTABLISHING GOODWILL FIGHTING IN OGADEN MOVE TOWARDS DESSIE (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) London, October 31. ■ The Asmara correspondent of The Times says the Italian positions at Aksum, Adowa and Adigrat are unchanged, but sufficient forces are advancing to protect the engineers constructing new roads and to consolidate the occupied terrain. The work is continuing behind a screen of tanks supported by artillery and ’ infantry which keep the troops active and interested. The Italians’ cautious advance is also intended to avoid crashing their way through and injuring the population, as it is hoped to establish goodwill in the occupied areas, which thus far has been fruitful. Whether the policy will be possible when the Italians confront the true Abyssinians is uncertain. Italians are pouring in daily from Italy. All are of fine physique. The Italians have renewed their activity in the neighbourhood of Dolo (Ogaden), where there is bitter fighting with serious casualties. All the indications for the commencement of a big Italian push towards Bessie are reported from Addis Ababa. Wild tribesmen annihilated an Italian supply convoy in the heart of Danakil desert. General de Bono announces that the Black Shirts’ First Army Corps occupied a zone at Mai Wece Wells, between Adagamus and Makale. The Second Army Corps and the Native Corps in addition freed .16,000 slaves. Night Bayonet Attack. Askaris in Ogaden dispersed enemy posts north-west of the River Daua. General Graziani’s troops continued to advance towards Gorahai after a night march through a thickly wooded, swampy zone, surprising the Abyssinians and assaulting a fort by bayonet in the darkness. The defenders fled. An Abyssinian communique says the Italians are entrenched south of Mussali and advanced northwards seeking an advanced air base. Abyssinians are continually harassing the march and adopting guerilla tactics, sniping at night time. It is believed that the Italians are moving their base to avoid clashing with French interests. Presumably this is the first step in the advance towards Dessie. The Sun-Herald Service says that ’ Ethiopia is iiot impoverished, according to the correspondents, including Mr Stuart, of the News Chronicle, who declares that at least £50,000,000 is available for arms and ammunition. The bulk of the money has been shipped in silver and gold to European and American banks. Haile Selassie’s entire fortune, estimated at £30,000,000, which he inherited from his father, is placed at the disposal of the Government, ITALIAN CLAIM MANDATE OVER ABYSSINIA. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec 12.10 a.m.) Rome, November 1. “The League should no longer hesitate in deciding to grant Italy a mandate over Abyssinia if it is desired in order to avoid vaster conflagrations in Europe, perhaps throughout the world,” declares an outspoken editorial which will appear in Saturday’s issue of Civilta Cattolica, the leading Catholic periodical, whose editorials are invariably written under the direct inspiration of the Pope. “Italy,” the article will declare, “is entitled to an Abyssinian mandate, if not by considerations of strict justice, at least for considerations of equity, since she received nothing during the distribution of mandates among the Powers after the World War.” The article concludes by urging British and French Catholics to have a broader understanding of Italy’s necessities. ANTI-BRITISH RIOTS STUDENTS IN ROME. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, October 31. French optimism regarding an ItaloAbyssij.ian settlement is not shared by Italy. Signor Mussolini told the students at the new Rome University that sanctions would be met by Italy’s implacable resistance and the most supreme contempt. He shouted: “You university students will be in the first line,” and the students roared, “Yes.” Following Signor Mussolini’s speech 200 students carrying banners inscribed “Down with England,” demonstrated outside the British Embassy and Consulate, shouting abuse until the police threw hotheads into neighbouring fountains. After that they attacked British shops, smashing windows and electric lights, and demanded the removal of the name from the Hotel Angleterre, which the manager promised. The police eventually dispersed the rioters.*. TREK TO DESSIE EXODUS FROM ADDIS ABABA. (Rec. 12.20 a.m.) Addis Ababa, Nov. 1. The Emperor’s approaching departure for Dessie started an enormous trek thither. The road is thronged with marching tribesmen mostly accompanied by womenfolk, many carrying bedsteads and others children. Most of the Abyssinian Cabinet members are also preparing to go to the front, leaving only minor officials in charge at the capital. The Emperor will be accompanied by Wolde Georg, his most trusted adviser. s ARMS FOR ABYSSINIA PURCHASE FROM CZECHOSLOVAKIA. (Rec. 12.20 a.m.) London, November 1. The Prague correspondent of the News Chronicle says that the Abyssinian Government has purchased from Czechoslovakia 100,000 mannlicher (old pattern) rifles, each with bayonet, scabbard and sling, and 120,000,000 rounds of ammunition. She is paying £300,000 for them, part in cash and ’ part on credit. Delivery will be made through British Somaliland. HEAVY TRAFFIC GERMAN GOODS FOR ITALY. (Rec. 12.20 a.m.) London, November 1. The Geneva correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says that unprecedented consignments of coal and other merchandise from Germany to Italy are traversing Switzerland, causing the greatest congestion at the Italian frontier station Chiasso, where long lines of packed goods trains shunted into sidings to await despatch. Swiss railwaymen are working special night shifts to cope with the flow of traffic.