ETHIOPIAN WAR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 11, 14 January 1936, Page 7

ETHIOPIAN WAR

ITALY VERY UNEASY DIFFICULTY OF SUPPLIES SITUATION GROWING WORSE .REACTION IN AUSTRIA, ATTItUDE OF TURKEY. [By Telegraph—Press Association—OpyJghtl Received Jan. 13, 8 p.m. LONDON, Jan. 13. The News-Chronicle says: “Trustworthy sources indicate a growing Italian uneasiness at the immobility of the armies ami the difficulty of maintaining supplies over the crumbling lines of communication. It is understood that the German General Staff reported to Herr Hitler that Signor Mussolini had lost the war in Abyssinia. Accordingly the attractiveness of Signor Mussolini’s political position is becoming increasingly isolated and Austrian-Hungarian friends are growing lukewarm.’ ’ The Manchester Guardian’s Paris correspondent says that M. L'hambrun, the Frreneh Ambassador at Rome, had two 'lengthy conversations with M. Laval. It is understood that M. Chanibrun detailed the position in Italy which he described as going from bad to worse. Economic difficulties were rapidly increasing, and the people were becoming more aware of the folly of the Abyssinian adventure. As a result the Government will soon be only too glad to receive a new “honourable” offer. Although the French are anxious to see the war end early, it is now widely felt that Italy must be allowed to sins deeper into the bog before she is likelv to listen to reason. Even the newspapers which ardently defended Signor Mussolini last year now condemn his fo]]y in refusing to accept the Paris proposals. Britain’s Rule for Peace. Newspapers credit Britain with a desire to secure peace before a complete Italian breakdown. Largely in view ui the complications Germany may create by that Anglo-French military and naval co-operation should be balanced by reconsidering deniilitarisa tion of the Rhineland zone. Turkey and Article of the League. The Times’ Constantinop e currespun deut says that the Italian Ambassador at Angura sent a Note to the Turkish Foreign Minister asking whether Lui key's affirmative reply to Britain stat ing her readiness to fulfil obligationunder Article 16 of the League Covenant was reconcilable with the ItaloTurkish Treaty of Friendship in I’jjs. It is understood that Turkey is replying after consultation with the other members of the Balkan Entente when, it presumed, she will point out that the action dictated was by obligations to which the Treaty obligations are automatically subordinated. Members of the Balkan Entente decided, in conjunction with the Little Entente, that they will support ail the proposals submitted jvinly to the League for the solution of the Ethiopian dispute by England and France. Natives Warned Against Attack. The Daily Telegraph’s Addis Ababa corre.-pondent says a proclamation been read to church congregations issu ing a warning that the Italians will probably bomb Addis Ababa between January 2U and January 22, on which days the Abys-dniau Epiphany celebrations will be held, bringing tens of thousands to the capital. J lie inhabitants have been ordered to construct shelters and those not obeying within a week will be lined. The Daily Telegraph’s Rome correspondent says that a military survey published in 11 Messagero is interesting, as it prepares the nation for the type of campaign which lies ahead. The slow, laborious progress on the Tigre front is indicated in a statement that Colonial wars are perhaps won with picks rather than guns. Action in Somaliland is admittedly at a standstill, pursuing a waiting policy. RAS DESTA’S HEAVY LOSSES CHIEF OLAL DINLE JOINS ITALIANS ASMARA. Jan. 12. Reis De>ta is reported tn have lost 474 killed and 500 wounded : n ar. encounter on December 30 with Chief 1 '• Italians. Di rile, assisted bv Italian aircraft, routed strong Abyssinian forces- at Gabon, in the Vpj■" r Webbe Shebe’i legion.