BIG BATTLE

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19816, 21 February 1936, Page 7

BIG BATTLE

ABYSSINIANS ENGAGED. VIOLENT ENCOUNTERS PROOEED. SWORDS AND BAYONETS USED. United Press Assn Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received Feb. 21, 10.20 a.m.) ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 20. A desperate battle Is reported to be raging between the forces of Ras Kassa and Ras Seyoum and the Black 'Shirts on the advancing west flank. The Italians attacked first, using heavy mountain field artillery. The Ethiopians are reported to be holding their own. They do not veiflture from their caves and dugouts in the day-time, but have perfected their night-raiding tactics. Patrols creep up to the Italian lines, attacking with swords and bayonets. The most violent encounters occurred along the river Maiueri, a tributary of the Takkaze. FLYING COLUMNB ACTIVE. NEW PLANS FOR CAMPAIGN. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, Feb. 19. Despatches from Addis Ababa state that Ras Nasibu, Governor of Harrar, leader of Abyssinia’s central and eastern forces, is* reported to have been engaged for several days in a large-scale battle south of Annale. This may indicate a resumption of General Graziani’s drive northward. Several Italian flying columns have appeared in the vicinity of Ginir and Harrar. Leading Abyssinian officials have gone to Dessye to confer with the Emperor and arrange new plans for the northern campaign in vievv of the expected advance by Marshal Badoglio. Ras Seyoum and Ras Kassa, on the flank of the Italians, are receiving reinforcements. ABYBSINIANS OPTIMISTIC. 100,000 MEN FACE ITALIANS. DOUBT REGARDING POSITION. ■United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received Feb. 21, 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 20. A Times copyright message from Addis Ababa says that official silence is still maintained regarding the Italian claim to a victory on February 16. It is unofficially stated that nearly the whole of Ras Mulugeta’s army has been 're-formed south-west of its original position directly south of the Italian Third Corps, which is reported to have occupied the village of Gaela and to be moving westward toward the Takkaze River, aiming to sever Ras lvassa’s communications with Gondar, whence he draws his supplies. If the Italians are attempting such a move the Emperor will probably order Ras Kassa to move southward from Addi Abbi, while Ras Mulugeta advances northward towards Antalo Gaela, for the purpose of closing the narrow avenue along which Ihe Italian communications will ’run through a roadless country. Whether or no Ras Mulugeta’s recovery is true, Bessie is not greatly troubled by a reported Italian success. Newspaper correspondents there have been ordered lo prepare lo deparl northward. DESSIE, Feb. 20. Colonel Holt, British Attache in Abyssinia, expresses the opinion that uneasiness is not felt regarding the northern front. Other observers declare that the morale of the Abyssinians remains good. Armies totalling over 100,000, well fed and well equipped, are still facing the Italians.