WAR IN AFRICA

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXXI, Issue 46, 25 February 1936, Page 3

WAR IN AFRICA

Slow Italian Advance COMMENT BY ’’THE TIMES” TIME MAY BEAT ITALY By Telegraph—Copyright— Press Assn LONDON, Feb. 24. Despite the Italian claim to considerable success at Amba Aradam, “The Times’’ in a leader points out that operations which listed a week culminated only in capture of a height two or three mik-s from the starting point. “This.” says “The Times”. “suggests that the resistance is very effective or that ch“ Italian methods are even more d-liberat * that the innumerable battles on ‘he Isonze in 1915-17, which is a gloomy’parallel for the present invasion “Moreover, if Ras Mulugheta was routed so complet"’v and .vith such disproportionate a loss it is curious that the ItaiFns have not exploited the victory more strikingly instead of leaving the harrying of the beaten foe to the air forces.

“The Italians have still to prove that they can move sufficiently fast in mountainous country to cut off Ras Kassa and Ras Seyoum. “While the advance on Amba Alagi is continuing cautiously in short stages, even from that place it is several hundred miles to Addis Ababa. The Italians’ most promising line of advance for a decisive issue is still to Harar, which General Graziani attempted and then stopped in order to attack Negelli. Whether they possess the men and the time for successful resumption of the Harar attack remains to be seem.” SITUATION CRITICAL REINFORCEMENTS FOR RAS DESTA By Telegraph—Copyright- -Press Assn. ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 24. Gerazmatch Johannes, with 5000 men equipped with mountain artillery and anti-tank batteries, has departed to reinforce Ras Desta’s Sidamo detachments, which are still effective because the occupied territory is not affected by General Graziani’s recent drive. Nevertheless Graziani’s advance from Southern Dolo toward Negelli renders their situation critical.

A PATRIOTIC RALLY MOSLEMS AND COPTS By Telegraph—Copyright—Press Assn. ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 24. Somaliland chiefs who deserted from the Italian forces addresssed a patriotic rally of tens of thousands of Moslems and Copts. They recounted stories of Italian atrocities. The assemblage, after hearing speeches from leaders of all sects, pledged Christains and Mohammedans to unite in resisting the Abyssinian invader. MASS IN A SUBMARINE ROME, Feb. 24. , With the altar erected in the torpedo-launching chamber, the Archbishop of Taranto celebrated Mass in one of the largest Italian submarines, 90 feet under water. He referred to the bravery of theItalians in East Africa and offered prayers for King Victor and Signor Mussolini, and the navy. The service was relayed throughout Italy.