The Italian Government.has evidently made up its mind to quit
Africa, but delays its decision, partly because it has to negotiate with England and Egypt, partly because the exist- ing Parliament might refuse its consent. The country, it would seem, is supposed to be favourable to evacuation. A lamentable incident will greatly increase this feeling. Signor Cecchi, the Consul-General at Zanzibar, and seven Italian officers recently landed in the section of the Somali country included in the Italian sphere of influence, with a guard of one hundred Askaris. They proceeded either to explore or to hunt. The Somalis objected, and attacked them, and after a bitter fight, the Consul-General, the seven officers, six Italian non-commissioned officers, and thirty Askaris were all slain. A party subsequently landed from an 'armed vessel on the coast, and " chastised " the Somalis ; but it is evident from the Marquis Rudini's remarks on the event that the incident is regarded as most embarrassing. The Marquis refused any responsibility for "geographical expeditions," and pledged his Government not to "expand" its possessions on the Somali coast. That means that although a Somali village or two may be shelled, no expedition will be sent; and, indeed, the Premier made no secret of his wish to retire altogether from Somalia.
Previous page
