FURTHER ADVANCE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21189, 12 August 1940, Page 7

FURTHER ADVANCE

BRITISH SOMALILAND DEFENCES NOT TESTED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Aug. 10 The Italian advance in British Somaliland continues, the apparent plan being the capture of Berbera bythree converging columns. However, there is evidence that the small British forces are preparing to contest the advance from prepared positions in hilly country. Meanwhile bombers of the Royal Air Force are harrying the Italian columns and vigorously attacking the enemy’s advanced bases. Two of the three Italian columns are reported to be advancing beyond Hargeisa and Oadweina toward a range of hills where the British forces are understood to hold strong positions. One advancing column includes many tanks. The Headquarters’ communique issued in Cairo states: “ The Italian advance continues toward our main positions in Somaliland. Other fronts are quiet.” An earlier communique stated that the situation was normal between Berbera and Zeila, the port which the Italians captured at the beginning of the week.

A Rome communique states: “ Italian infantry continued their advance in British Somaliland, occupying Aduein on the camel caravan highway to Berbera.” The capture of Hargeisa is announced from Rome, and it is also stated that Italian forces are reported to be surrounding the Hohotley caravansary, a strategic oasis 20 miles from the Ethiopian border, in British Somaliland, and are now moving seaward toward Berbera, where it is expected they will join the other columns.