IN EAST AFRICA

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21363, 6 March 1941, Page 8

IN EAST AFRICA

MILITARY JURISDICTION BRITISH PROCLAMATION OCCUPIED TERRITORIES (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, March 4 Lieutenant-General A. G. Cunningham, officer commanding the British forces in East Africa, has proclaimed military jurisdiction over Britishoccupied territories in Abyssinia and Italian Somaliland. He added that while the inhabitants remain peaceable they will be subjected to no more interference than is essential to the performance of General Cunningham’s duties “and need have no fear.” The jurisdiction of the Kenya Administration ceases at the Kenya borders, but the government of occupied territories is largely being carried out by former East African administrators, who have been given military rank. The friendly attitude of the natives has facilitated the occupation. The protection of Italians from native vengeance is one of the main problems of the Administration. Further deails of the campaign in Italian Somaliland are contained in an official statement issued at Nairobi. according to a British official wireless message. The statement says the British advance is continuing, Isica, Baidoer and Bumo Burti having been occupied. Large stocks of arms, petrol, foodstuffs and stores of all types continue to be discovered, and it will take some considerable time to finish counting all the material captured. Thousands of Prisoners The number of prisoners is approaching the 10,000 mark. These captures and the destruction of enemy formations in the River Juba area, the statement pointed out, give the lie to a statement by the Italians that Italian Somaliland has been voluntarily evacuated. Casualties among East African forces since the beginning of this offensive in the whole of East Africa from February 12 to February 27 are:—Killed: Four officers, two British other ranks, 12 Africans. Wounded: Eleven officers, five British other ranks, 59 Africans. Missing: Two officers, 32 other ranks. ORDER OF THE BATH KNIGHT GRAND CROSS BRITISH LEADERS HONOURED MERITORIOUS SERVICES * United Press Assn.—Elcc. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, March 5 It is announced that the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath has been awarded to Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham, commander of the Mediterranean Fleet, General Sir Archibald Wavell, Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in the Middle East, and Air-Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Longmore, Air Officer Commanding in Chief of the Royal Air Force in the Middle East, lor their meritorious services. In command of the Mediterranean Fleet since last May, Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham has a fine record of gallantry and daring. He won distinction in the last war, and in the present conflict has swept the Mediterranean clear of Italian warships. General Sir Archibald Wavell, a brilliant leader of troops, was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in the Middle East in July, 1939. His recent victory over the Italians at Bardia was described as “a master-stroke.” Air-Chief Marshal Sir Arthur M. Longmore, who organised the brilliant British air offensive against the Italians in North Africa, became Air Officer Commanding in Chief of the Royal Air Force in the Middle East last year. COLONEL DONOVAN 14 COUNTRIES VISITED TO REPORT TO PRESIDENT .United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, March 4 With the unique experience of having, in little more than two months, studied the war situation on ail fronts and discussed current poiitical, military and economic problems with experts in 14 countries, Colonel W. J. Donovan, President Roosevelt’s special emissary, is in London preparing for his return within the next few days to the United States, where he will make a report. Colonel Donovan’s inquiries, which took him on a 16,000 miles’ tour, in large part have concerned the impact of Mediterranean problems on those of (he Atlantic and, indirectly, the Pacific. He began this inquiry with an exhaustive study of the defences of Gibraltar. He visited the North Africa front and was at Bardia shortly after its fall, and also at Tobruk, at the Australian headquarters, when plans for the further victorious advance were being developed. In Egypt he had long conversations with General Sir Archibald Wavell, Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Longmore, and Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham. In Greece he met political leaders and visited army commanders In brief visits to Sofia and Belgrade he was able to appreciate some of the difficulties which will confront the Germans in the Balkan adventure. In Turkey he had conversation with Turkish military and political chiefs and with British staff. When in Cairo on his return to London he discussed the situation with Mr Eden and General Sir John Dill. He also flew to Bagdad, where lie met the Mufti. He also visited Madrid and Lisbon. Toe King received Colonel Dono- i van today.