FRIGHTFUL CARNAGE

Taranaki Daily News, 7 November 1935, Page 5

FRIGHTFUL CARNAGE

ABYSSINIAN CARAVANS BOMBED RAIN DELAYS ITALIANS’ ADVANCE SURRENDERS TO THE INVADERS London, November 5. Adowa message states that despite terrific thunderstorms the Italians claim that their advance is proceeding according to plan. However, it is evident that delay is occurring neai The British United Press special correspondent with the Italians considers the prospects of fighting stronger. Reconnoitring aeroplanes are sighting large bodies of Abyssinian troops with increasing frequency. It is expected that the enemy will attempt to harass the Italians’ movements. General de Bono is prepared for such a contingency and is exploiting his mechanical superiority to the utmost. The correspondent adds that General de Bono has ordered the advance to be halted to permit the bringing up of supplies and the construction of roads, which is very difficult owing to the unseasonable rains. When the roads are completed the thrust towards Makale will be resumed. . The operations today and tomorrow will be limited to straightening the line. It is estimatedJhat the advance has covered 4300 square miles of Abyssinian territory. A communique from General de Bono, issued at Rome, records the occupation of Hauzien and other points. It adds: “The advance is. very fast, the Abyssinians fleeing before us. Our troops are welcomed everywhere.” . An Addis Ababa report states that Italian planes wiped out Abyssinian caravans conveying munitions and petrol fiom British Somaliland. It was the largest convoy since the opening of hostilities, and the carnage was frightful, few escaping the slaughter. Though the Abyssinian rains are unseasonable and are therefore not expected to continue, they are virtually cloudbursts and are greatly damaging the new roads to Makale and bogging artillery and mechanised units. The Italians hope to continue -their advance on Thursday. Meanwhile supplies are being dropped from aeroplanes. Italy’s Danakil allies continue their southward advance m the direction of the Djibouti-Addis Ababa railway, which will not be attacked without reinforcements. The immediate result of the Danakil progress is the submission to Italy of Dedjamatch Waldgebrield, chief of the Agama district, which is regarded as the most important surrender since that of Ras Gougsa and of the town of Aksum.