The Italians on April 2nd inflicted a somewhat severe defeat
on the Dervishes, Colonel Stevani, in command near Kassala, driving back an advancing column with heavy loss. He was inclined to follow up his victory, but was ordered by General Baldissera to retire, an order which gave rise to a rumour that Kassala had been evacuated. This is not correct, and it is probable that Colonel Slade, who has started for Erythrea, will convey a request to the Italian General to hold Kassala if he can. It seems probable that a serious British campaign against the Dervishes is intended for the summer. The railway is being pushed on to Akasheh, and orders have apparently been issued to delay active operations until the Nile rises. The rumours, too, of an Indian expedition to Suakin increase, and altogether the idea seems to be to gather force on two sides, and then strike a heavy blow. The Khalifa on his side is collecting his forces, and it is not impossible that he may try to rush the British at Suakin and on the Nile at the same moment. General Kitchener is clearly preparing, by strengthening the garrison at Suakin, and enlarging the defensive works at Wady Haifa, for some such eventuality.
