The Waikato Times FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1941 EAST AFRICAN CAMPAIGN

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21364, 7 March 1941, Page 4

The Waikato Times FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1941 EAST AFRICAN CAMPAIGN

Another stage in the rapid shrinkage of the Italian empire in Africa is marked by the virtual conclusion of resistance in Italian Somaliland and the declaration of British military rule in the occupied areas of Somaliland and Abyssinia. The whole of Somaliland has not yet been occupied, but that which remains is desert country and very sparsely populated. The area of British occupation in Abyssinia is increasing rapidly, and it is essential that as soon as any substantial area falls into Allied hands it should be placed under responsible control. The remaining Italian population and the natives themselves must have protection and proper government. As in Syrenaica, military jurisdiction has been established and the administrators have been given military rank. They will control the territory until such time as the fate of the country and its permanent government have been decided. Lieutenant-General A. G. Cunningham, commander of the British forces in East Africa, has given an assurance that while the inhabitants remain peaceable they will be subjected to no more interference than is essential, and that they need have no fear. It is only natural that there should be a desire for vengeance against the Italians among the native population, and the maintenance of order is one of the new administration’s chief problems. The magnitude of the task is evident from the fact that the population of Italian Somaliland alone, native and European, is almost a million, spread over a very wide area. For propaganda purposes Italy declares that Somaliland has been evacuated voluntarily, but the fact remains that about 10,000 prisoners have been captured and vast stores of arms and military supplies have been taken. If the evacuation were voluntary it is strange that such riches should be abandoned and that so many troops should be made prisoners of war. The fleeing Italians have the choice of retreating into Abyssinia or, over almost trackless desert, to British Somaliland, which fell into Italian hands last year. In either case they are only prolonging their agony. The Allied advance is continuing steadily and large areas are being brought under control. Prisoners are still being captured in Somaliland, but the Italian resistance has completely broken down. In Abyssinia the Allied forces are racing against time to secure the rout of the Italians before the rainy season begins perhaps a month hence. The Italians are endeavouring to hold out, probably more with the hope of immobilising Allied forces than of being able to retrieve their losses. If they continue their resistance into the rainy season their plight will still be unenviable, for the natives at least are more inured to local conditions, and the Italians have no hope of relief. The long-awaited fall of Keren in Eritrea may have a marked effect on the whole African campaign. Eritrea is still the most important of the Italian African colonies and the progress of the offensive there will be watched with keen interest.