ALL POSSIBLE CEREMONY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 106, 6 May 1936, Page 7

ALL POSSIBLE CEREMONY

ENTRY TO ADDIS ABABA ITALIAN NATIVE TROOPS HALTED OUTSIDE CITY LOOTING IN CAPITAL SAID TO BE SUPPRESSED [By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) Received May 5,11.55 p.m. LONDON, May 5. The Rome correspondent of The Times says that the Italian entry into Addis Ababa, which is being hastened at the French Government’s request, will nevertheless be surrounded with all possible ceremony. General Biroli’s column could by now have occupied the city, but it is understood to have been halted as it was thought that if the native troops alone entered the capital their arrival might do more harm than good towards the restoration of order. The entry will therefore be made by detachments representing all services. A number of political officials will also participate. The Emperor’s flight has surprised the Italians as much as it has the British and French. Until, therefore, the Italians have entered Addis Ababa and have ascertained whether any responsible official has been left there, the Government is keeping an open mind regarding the course it will pursue. The position at Addis Ababa is now quieter. Looting has been suppressed, though bands of desperate Gallas from the hills are roaming the city. There are many new fires and the greater part of the centre has been gutted. Looters brought a taxi load of spoils to the British Legation in the hope of selling them to their legitimate owners. The whole consignment was promptly confiscated. French officials say that Selassie would be welcome in France if he guaranteed not to interfere in the war situation. Mr. Martin, the Ethiopian Minister at London, does not doubt that the Emperor will eventually come to England for the purpose of educating his second son, Makonnen. It is rumoured that he has already purchased a London house. The Foreign Secretary (Mr. R. A. Eden) announced in the House of Commons that Haile Selassie was going to Jerusalem. He was embarking to-day in the cruiser Enterprise direct for Haifa. three thousand lorries have joined the Askaris in the hills north of Addis Ababa and are awaiting General Badoglio to lead a ceremonial entry. The Askaris greeted the lorries with a wild war dance. Nothing untoward is reported from the capital this morning. The American Minister, Mr. Engert has not yet quitted the legation, though Mr. Hull approved of evacuation under a British escort. Reports from Paris suggest that the French Legation is in need of provisions. Hitherto it has successfully resisted the marauders. During yesterday’s raid the mint was captured with the whole gold store. Attackers piled up dead bodies as barricade. Women, dressed in men’s clothing and armed with strong swords, fiercely participated to share the general loot. Ras Nasibu and Wehib Pasha arrived at Djibouti from Ogaden. Thus the last- trace of organised r-r' '" ■ has vanished.

ETHIOPIAN TREACHERY FRENCH MINISTER’S REPORT many looters shot dead. ADDIS ABABA, May 4. Fires have again broken out in the central area of the city. White flags in anticipation of the arrival of toe Italians float over the buildings whicn have escaped incendiarism. M. Bodart has notified Paris of acts of treachery among the Abyssinian guards, some of whom fired a fusillade at the French Legation. A rescue party from the British Legation brought in a young Belgian who. with two companions, had defended his house until his ammunition was exhausted against rioters armed with machine guns. He claims that 25 looters were shot dead. The manager of the Bank of Ethiopia, who was rescued after a gallant defence by his staff, is among the jefugees at the British Legation'.

OFFICER INJURED HAND GRENADE EXPLODES I ASMARA, May 4. I The premature explosion of a hand I grenade in bomb practice blew off the I right hand of Flight-Lieutenant Robj erto Farinacci, former secretary of the I Fascist Party. TEST MOBILISATION THE ITALIAN NATION' ROME, May 4. Prolonged cheering greeted Signor Mussolini’s entry to the Chamber. Admiral Ciano, presiding, said: ‘‘Despite the help of sanctionists the Negus has fled. (Derisive cheers). His army, led by Europeans, has been annihilated.. No coalition can deprive us of the fruits of victory.” Signor Mussolini’s speech was a brief intimation of an immediate test mobilisation of the nation, “when I make the announcement you are awaiting.”