BRITISH FORCED TO RETIRE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21735, 17 August 1940, Page 7

BRITISH FORCED TO RETIRE

FIERCE FIGHTING IN SOMALILAND Defenders Heavily Outnumbered Situation Serious United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON. August 15. It is authoritatively stated in Somaliland that the situation is still serious. The Italians advanced along the Zeila-Berbera coast road more rapidly than was expected and they are now 20 miles west from Bulhar. The Italians number from 9000 to 10,000. The British are heavily outnumbered. To-day’s war communique issued in Cairo states: “In Somaliland yesterday, the enemy, having brought up fresh effectives, launched a violent attack. After holding their forward position for several hours, causing the enemy severe losses, our troops fell back to positions in the rear where fighting continues. “It is now known that the enemy is employing against us the greater part of two divisions, complete with artillery and armoured fighting vehicles, which were originally intended to oppose the French forces in French Somaliland. There is nothing to report on the other front.” The Prime Minister (Mr Churchill), in the House of Commons, said: “I have bad news from Somaliland. The

small British force holding Jagargan has been driven back by greatly superior forces amounting to two divisions with armoured units and considerable artillery. Operations are continuing.” Mr Churchill added that he would deal generally with the Eastern situation in a statement which he proposed to make in the House of Commons next week. The House would adjourn on Thursday next and reassemble on September 5. An Italian communique states: “Italian operations in British Somaliland are in full swing. Fierce fighting is occurring, in which the Italian Air Force is playing an effective part. British prisoners and arms have been captured.” The Moscow newspaper “Izvestia” in a leader says: “Britain holds the upperhand in the Mediterranean. She has lost French bases rendering her strategic plans useless, but beyond doubt Italy’s domination of Somaliland or command of Bab el Mandeb will not mean command over either the Mediterranean or Red Sea. While Britain controls the Suez Canal and E-ypt, Italy cannot effectively attack Egypt from the Libyian desert, the issue of the war in Europe settling the fate of the Mediterranen.” The Madrid radio states it is reported from Cairo that new Italian contingents have arrived at Libya.