The Abyssinian Defeats From Abyssinia come reports of new Italian
victories. The capture of Amba Aradam has been exploited with rather surprising rapidity by it'further unopposed advance across 80 miles of comparatively easy country to Aroba Alaji, south of which point Ras Mulugeta is reforming his army after a retreat which, in spite of earlier reports to the contrary, seems to have been effected without . very serious loss- or disorder. The salient feature of the week's fighting is, however, the series of successful actions against the armies of Ras Kassa and Has Seyum which have for so long been a thorn in the right flank of the Italian advance. Once again the encirclement of these armies is claimed, but as usual with doubtful credibility. The country in which the fighting took place is incredibly broken, and affords innumerable bolt-holes for a guerilla force completely independent of any hard-and-fast line of communications. It seems clear, however, that the Italian operations, well conceived and executed with determination, have proceeded in accordance with plan, and that the rains when they break will _find the whole province of Tigre in Italian hands. Tigre, as a glance at the map will show, is. but a small fraction of Abyssinia, and that' Abyssinian morale or resistance is shattered is an illusion which, in spite of the rejoicings in Rome, Marshal Badoglio will probably be the last person to entertain.
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