OFFENSIVE BY ITALY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21185, 7 August 1940, Page 7

OFFENSIVE BY ITALY

RESISTANCE BY BRITISH INVASION OF SOMALILAND (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Aug. 7, 11 a.m.) CAIRO, Aug. 6 A British Middle East Command communique states an invasion of British Somaliland began on August 4, three enemy columns advancing towards Oadweina, Hargeisa and Oargara. British land and air forces were organised to resist the advances, despite the collapse of French Somaliland.

MILAN, Aug. 6 The Corriere Della Serra states that Suez is the main objective of the Italians on the Egyptian frontier. A general advance has begun against the British front in Egypt, Kenya and the Sudan. ROME, Aug. 6 A communique states: There have been two Italian victories in the past 24 hours. Firstly there was a dogfight over Malta, in which one British plane was brought down and the Italians returned intact. Secondly, there was a skirmish beyond the Cyrenaican frontier, in which an Italian advance routed the enemy and two enemy tanks were destroyed and two abandoned. British Success in Libya It is officially announced in a British communique from Cairo that the Italians assembled a large force in the Menastir and Bardia area, in Eastern Libya, and hung to Fort Capuzzo, in order to cover the concentration. The first phase of the operations in the western desert is finished. During these operations a small British force has completely dominated the Eastern Libyan frontier against a numerically superior Italian force. The Italians on this front have lost 818 prisoners, including a general, sixteen guns, fifteen tanks and 65 vehicles, in addition to several hundred killed and wounded. The complete British confidence contrasts with the Italian hesitation and lack of confidence. Now the second phase is beginning ui Italian attack must be expected -d we are ready to meet it.