In last week's engagement in Southern Abyssinia General Graziani Undoubtedly
scored - Ei success. For months past Ras Desta, operating in arid and scrub- covered country in which any large concentration of troops is extremely difficult, has threatened the flank of any Italian advance towards the North. By a vigorous and well-conducted thrust this threat has for the time being been dispelled. The Italian attack was made over country which lends itself to the .action of light tanks and owing to its waterless -nature is unfavourable to sustained defensive action. Its first impetus has carried it about one-third of the way towards the hill country in which the Dawn and Ganale Doria have. their sources, and where the first determined Abyssinian resistance is likely to be met. The Italian estimate of Abyssinian casualties seems to be fantastically high, and the claim that the main trade route from 'Kenya to Addis Ababa has been .cut is com- pletely without foundation. This route lies many miles to the West of the farthest point so far reached by the recent advance, and will only acquire any degree of im- portance if and. when the railway is severed. It seems probable that General Graziani's push in this direction was a precautionary measure, and that it will be followed by a resumption of the advance through the Ogaden on Harrar. So far as it went it was undoubtedly successful, and it was particularly welcome in Rome, where a little tonic was badly needed.
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