DISCOUNTED

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 9817, 22 February 1936, Page 10

DISCOUNTED

ITALIAN REPORTS. ABYSSINIAN COMMUNIQUES. COMMUNICATIONS NOT SEVERED. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received Feb. 22, 3 p.m.) DESSIE, Feb. 21. In reply to special inquiries the Abyssinian commander, Ras Mulugela has explained his taolios at Enderta, pointing out that he ordered a strategic retreat on February 12 and 14, realising that the enemy was planning a big attack. The Italian advance guards noticed the movement and attacked immediately, forcing a battle. Ras Mulugeta claims that 1500 Eritreans deserted with arm and ammunition on the night of February 16. He also olaims that the total Abyssinians killed In a series of local engagements from February 12 to 17, was not more that 150. ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 21. Ras Mulugeta’s communique is hailed with great relief. It is considered that Ras Mulugeta conducted a skilful retreat in the lace of vastly superior numbers. The news that Ras Kassa communicated freely with Ras Mulugeta and Dessie is regarded as proving the falsity of Marshal Badoglio's assertion that the Italian advance had out off Ras Mulugeta’s communications with the Abyssinian western forces. It is now, learned that one of the achievements of Ras Mulugeta’s retreat was the maintenance of contact with his supply train, which otherwise ; would bave been out off by two Italian j army corps, converging on Antalo from the north-west and north-east, round the slopes of Amba Aradam. BRUSSELS, Feb. 21. Colonel Reul, military adviser to Haile Selassie, who at present is on leave in Belgium, considers the Italian reports of Abyssinian losses vastly exaggerated. Nevertheless the losses are heavier than was necessary owing to the impossibility of restraining. Abyssinian troops when actually confronting an enemy. The Addis Ababa correspondent of the Times says that Ras Mulugeta, in amplifying his explanation, says he ordered the retreat because Amba Aradam was approaohable from the east and from the west, and occupation of it would have cut off his food supply. He asserts that the Abyssinian losses were 147 killed and 268 wounded, the Italian losses being far heavier.

4.30 O’CLOCK EDITION.