Addis Ababa and Harrar The Italian thrust towards Addis Ababa
continues. Its speed may be less than is anticipated, for at least one obstacle of great natural strength remains, and Marshal Badoglio may find it necessary to consolidate his com- munications. But it is improbable that the forces being rallied to the defence of the town will be able to offer much serious frontal opposition. On the Harrar front Ras Nasibu has put up a gallant fight round Sasa Baneh, and with the help of the weather seems for the moment to have stemmed the tide. His strongest positions still lie behind him, and unless his men and material are nearing exhaustion, the Italians may yet find Harrar an exceedingly hard nut to crack. But here, too, sheer weight of metal must in the end prevail. If the two towns do fall the Italians should be the master of the. 430 miles of railway which lie within Abyssinia. Only the French ,section, 55 miles long, will separate them from Djibuti and the sea. The right to use this port and section would solve nine-tenths of Marshal Badoglio's difficulties. On the other hand, cession of the right would destroy the last vestige of pretence on the part of France to regard the Covenant of the League as an instrument for the defence of any interests but her own. That Italy will offer her the most tempting inducements may be taken for granted. M. Flandin's response will go far to reveal the new Govern- ment's general attitude to the League.
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