African News.

Manawatu Herald, 26 March 1896, Page 2

African News.

News has been received that the Khalifa has proclaimed a Holy War Several Arab tribes volunteer to assist in the Egyptian expedition. The Abyssinians admit that they lost 8000 killed and 6000 wounded in the fight with the Italians. General Kitchener has applied to the War Office for 40 additional British officers for the Soudan expedition. Russia concurs with France in claiming that unanimity among the Powers is necessary before the Egyptian reserve fund can be diverted to pay the cost of the Soudan expedition. Germany explains that she assented to the use of the fund in this direction at the wish of Italy. The Marquis di Rudini, Premier, speaking in the Chamber of Deputies, declared that the British Alliance would enhance Italy's position in Egypt. A vote of confidence in the Ministry was carried, and a proposal that the troops in Abyssinia be recalled was unanimously rejectedi The force under General Herbert Kitchener, who has command of the Soudan expedition, consists of 20,---000 men, including three battalions of British soldiers and 7000 Bedouins. The Dervishes lost 40 men in their first attack on the Zabderat defiles, near Kassala, but their loss was heavier in the two subsequent at. tacks. A force of 8000 Dervishes now threatens to attack the pass. It is reported that King Menelik of Abyssinia will demand from Italy an indemnity of a million sterling for the declaration of peace. Akasheh, which was recently oo* cupied by Egyptian troops, is being fortified.