RAID ON DAGABUR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 282, 2 December 1935, Page 7

RAID ON DAGABUR

CONCERN IN ADDIS ABABA “ I EMPEROR LEAVES FOR DESSIE ] [By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright] L LONDON, Nov. 29. I 1 An Addis Ababa message states that * there is consternation in the capital at ' the news of the terrible bombing raid ‘ on Dagabur which is regarded as Italy’s revengeful reply to recent defeats. The Abyssinians admit that 1500 bombs, mainly incendiary bombs, were dropped, burning the whole village and killing many women and children. The Emperor left yesterday for Bessie, accompanied by members of Cabinet, leading officials, and a caravan of a hundred lorries, six of which are ♦‘quipped with anti-aircraft guns to project the Emperor, the news of whose departure was held up under the cen- I sorship for L’4 hours. He will remain for a brief time at Bessie, ami will then go to the front if the situation permits. The Crown Prince is taking over the Government until his return.

INCREASING HATRED ITALIAN PROPAGANDA ENGLAND BLAMED. LONDON, Nov. 2J. j The >un-Herald agency says that the 1 name of England is daily growing :no”e i hate ! in Italy, where skilful propa- ' ganda is being directed to fomenting I and intensifying English .mtipathy. England is even blamed for the fet-rous ■ [depletion of Italy’s public *offjrs, into ; which people are pouring gold in a ! hysterical response to the national appeal, though doubtless a serial is in- I iluenced by the fact that the C“verr.- | ment is paying a premium of 25 per cent, over the standard rate as a bonus • for citizens helping the State in a; time of need. The Government is tell- ‘ ing the people that sanctions, not war, ; arc draining the national purse, which j continues to spill out millions on the ' Abyssinian venture. Sanctionists, of whom Britain is re- j presented as the evil genius, are prov- | ing an excellent scapegoat for tn? fin- i ancial position. Sanctions is the cry i covering a multitude of expenditures. ' People of every class are giving up i cherished trophies, heirlooms, fortune-, and savings. The thing has berime a - crusade. Italians do not stop to reflect I on the real causes of the situation.

ATTACK ON EGYPT NO APPREHENSION KEELING AT AI.EXANDRIA Received De-. I, 8 p.n ALEXANDRIA, Nov. 30. j Authorities are not the least appre- | hensive of an Italian attack on Egypt ' whieh, if it eventuated, would take the form, of a simultaneous advance in two columns from Libya. The northern column, on the coast road, would be liable to heavy lire from British ships. The southern would not encounter re- I sistance far as Mersamatruh, but would be subject to aircraft bombing. Even if it carried Mersamatruh, which is heavilv fortified, it would encounter a mile of intersected trenches and would have to pass the bottleneck of Borgeiarab, only two miles wide bounded by ' marshes and the sea, raked by machine- 1 run and artillery fire. Corre.-pendents who have recently re- , I turned from Libya report that the i Italian morale is very low, as the peo- i pie are convinced that an attack on , Egypt would be suicide in face of the | formidable defences.

A MORE HOPEFUL OUTLOOK Received Dec. 1, 8.10 p.rn. LONDON, Nov. 30. I The Times’ Rome correspondent says 'it is semi officially stated there has 'been no movements of Italian troops (towards the French-Italian frontier. I Any military moves have not been of j extraordinary importance. There is I now a slightlv more hopeful feeling. MEN CALLED TO COLOURS. Received Nov. 30. 5.5 p.m. ROME, Nov. 29. j On the eve of the vital Cabinet meet--1 ing 5'»." noncoms and men of the . to ours. Four transports carrying 760 S I iier-i throu the Suez Canal bound I for Abvssinia, while 2231 men have (returned during the past week. ASMARA, Nov. 29. i Marshal Badolglio has imposed a nd has pi >hil it( I the mention oC individual name.-*, in- | •-lulling his own. He declared that he !w »uld hold correspondents responsible ! for what their papers published.

“AN UNFRIENDLY ACT” ' enforcement of oil SANCTIONS. ITALIAN 4TTITIDE DEFINED. I, ' EMBARGO BELIEVED INEV HABLE | Keeeived Dec. I. 9 pm. L LONDON, Nov. 39. | The Telegraph’s Paris correspondent , says that Italian circles now assert that Signor t'erutti was never instructed .0 . declare that Italy would regard en- i foreenient of the oil sanctions as a : hostile act. It is pointed out that | what was really meant was that such measure would eventually be regarded las a profoundly unfriendly art. There < was a wide gulf between a hostile act ' and an unfriendly act. This indication of a possible change h in the Italian attitude may be due to | the fad that M. Laval has at last sue- [ . ceded in convincing Signor Mussolini that in the event of an Italian attack I France and Britain will be closely ■ united. The Times’ Paris correspondent says that most of the newspapers now’ < ppt the prospect of an oil embargo is inevitable, but share a hope that such a threat to the success of the Abys«:nian adventure will bring Signor Mussolini to reason. Situation Easier. Paris report state that M. Laval saw i Signor Cerutti and endeavoured to ob- <

lam an idea of Signor Mussolini s den ands and intentions. -Meanwhile it is expected the tension will be somewhat eased by a report from Rome that the Government, following a conference of Anglo-Italian bankers, promised lo make a supreme effort to liquidate British frozen credits, estimated at two millions sterling, due under the [pre sanctions Anglo-Italian trade agreement. This is considered as being tantamount to Italy calling off moratorium payments to Britain imposed after the sanctions. Britain has been expecting Italy to use the money to purchase raw I material abroad. I L’Oeuvre states that Mr. Stanley Baldwin considers that a conference iwith M. Laval is essential before Dele ember 12 to co-ordinate British and [ French action. Most newspapers conjside* that an oil embargo would ex[pedite peace. Le Journal points out that even if [Signor Mussolini were tempted to rashness, the lack of oil would make a European conflict impossible. Two Important Cabinet Meetings. •‘ommentaters point out that two of the most important Cabinet meetings, possibly affecting Europe’s future were held within 24 hours. Britain, on December 2, is expected to decide her attitud-e towards oil sanctions, although the outcome admittedly depends on whether members of the lyeague and non-Leaguc members will support the embargo. Attempts at settlement continue.