The Fall of Makale In spite of the capture of
Makale during the past week, interest in the Abyssinian campaign is focussed on the Ogaden and the approaches to Jijiga. General Graziani's advance has gathered speed, even if the report of its having reached Sasa Baneh is premature. There was never any doubt of this force's capacity for rapid move- ment. With its mechanised transport the speed of forty to fifty miles a day is well within its power for the purposes of a raid. But since the object of the Ogaden operations has been to secure the flank and rear of an attack on the Harar highlands, which is likely to meet with determined resistance, the laborious process of making good a number of scattered water-points has necessarily made the general advance a slow one. As the hills draw near, the native troops, and aircraft which have hitherto done most of the ,work are likely to be strengthened by the addition of heavier armament and European elements. Meanwhile, in the North, have the commanders, Ras Seyum and Ras Kassa, fallen out, as is suggested from Rome, or are they only conforming with a strategy urged upon them by their official advisers and, most of the military critics in Europe ? An answer to this question cannot now be long delayed.
Previous page
