BRITAIN AND SOMALI.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXV, Issue 13055, 25 April 1910, Page 5

BRITAIN AND SOMALI.

WITHDRAWAL OF TROOPS CRITICISED. Press Association.—Teleoranh .—Copyright LONDON, April 23. Britain’s withdrawing to the Somali coast is being strongly criticised, especially as Colonel Sir William Manning, who took part in the Somaliland campaign, admits the probability of severe internecine feuds, and emphasises that the friendlies have become disorganised and weakened through listlessly relying on British protection. ' !

The British troops were recently withdrawn from Somaliland to the coast, this having been decided upon on the advice of General Wingate and Colonel Manning, who were of opinion that- the friendly natives were now sufficiently well armed to defend themselves. Shortly after the withdrawal the Mad Mullah swooped down on the friendlies with his forces and slaughtered 800 of them, and captured their stock. This led to a debate in the House of Lords, Lord Curzon accusing the Government of destroying the work of 25 years and blackening Britain’s name. Earl Crew replied that Britain 1 spent £IOO,OOO last year without protecting the tribles. An evacuation was the only alternative to an expeditionary force for the purpose of capturing the Mullah. Similar efforts in 1901 and 1904 cost between two and three millions.