UNIMPEDED DRIVE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 February 1941, Page 6

UNIMPEDED DRIVE

MADE BY BRITISH TROOPS IN LIBYA

WELCOME FROM ITALIAN SETTLERS,

IN CLOSELY-SETTLED COLONY

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (. (Received This Day. 1.0 p.m.) / LONDON. February 0. Behind the laconic announcement in a communique that the advance in Libya is progressing satisfactorily, lies the story of an

unimpeded drive of British infantry and mechanised forces through the closely settled Italian colony round Cirehe and Appolcnia. The British advance has not only not been hindered, but the troops have actually been encouraged by the settlers, many of whom have come to Africa during the last few years in order to escape imprisonment.

There is no sign anywhere of Italy’s rod white mid green Hag. which is replaced by the white Hag of surrender fluttering from poles hastily stud: in gardens mid allotments. The troops vanished as quickly as their flag mid abandoned fortified points without the slightest attempt at defence. Because they were frightened of Arab pillaging. the colonists were delighted to see the British, whom Marshal Graziani, when he passed through six days ago. described as ’'gentlemen whor will not hurt you and will leave you to work in peace.”

.A doctor in the little village of Battisto. which was colonised eight years ago. met the British in the village square and gave an assurance of loyalty. He declared that most of the people of Hattisto were anti-Fascist. A priest stated that Marshal Graziani was still in command when he went through last week The speed of the advance is almost unparalleled in history. The troops altogether have covered 350 miles, on a steadily widening front, in two months.