The Italian position on the Red Sea has become much
easier. The siege of Kassala has not been raised in the technical sense, for Arabs are still attacking the fortress, but their ablest leader, Osman Digna, has started for Suakin with, it is believed, fifteen thousand followers. Strong Italian reinforcements also are on their march to the place, and it is believed that its safety is, for the moment, secured. The Negus Menelek, moreover, either to obtain supplies for his troops, or to satisfy his feudatories, who wished for a respite from war, has retired from Adowa to Shoe with his whole Army. General Baldissera has therefore three or four months at least in which to organise his forces and conclude negotia- tions with the King. There seems to be little doubt that peace will be ultimately arranged, the Italians keeping Massowah and the country around it, but giving up all hope of subju- gating Abyssinia. It would not surprise us if, when the im- pression of their defeat dies away, they band over Massowah to the British. Their natural share of Africa is Tripoli, which, if Barca is included, would be a valuable possession, and they are out of place on the Red Sea.
Previous page
