Quiet at the Front On the military side Aksum has
fallen after an envelop- ing movement and with little fighting. The place is of no great importance and is only thirteen miles from Adowa, but it is a stepping-stone towards the Takazzie River and the important town of Gondar. A northern - chief, Dedjagmahl Gugsa, has gone over to the Italians, but his example; though naturally contagious, seems unlikely at present to find many followers. Movement southward from Adigrat towards Makalle has met with little or no resistance, though Abyssinian concentrations are reported south of that place. News of rather indeter- minate fighting comes from the Ogaden, while except for the report of an aeroplane over the railway at Emer- Gota little has been heard of the Italians at Mussa Ali. The absence of news does not, however, imply stagnation. The Italians have no motive for reporting anything but concrete achievements, while the inadequacy of the telegraph and the uncommunicative nature of the sub- ordinate Abyssinian commanders probably leaves Addis Ababa without much precise information. It may be taken for granted that while General de Bono is con- solidating and cautiously feeling his way, General Graziani has not been idle, unless of set purpose, in the Ogaden. Important developments there may be expected at any moment.
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