The last traces of Italian influence in East Africa seem about to disappear, after what historians may eventually decide was one of the most remarkable campaigns ever undertaken, The country over which it has been fought has been in the most part extremely difficult, with many readies wastes, mountains abounding in natu al strongholds, and presenting almost insure able problems of supply. It is probable that it was these supply difficulties that prevented the Italians from taking the initiative early in the struggle, when Britain had troops enough only to hold lightly to a precarious line of defence, That they have been overcome by the British says much for the work of the General Staff, as also does the remarkable ce-ordination between the twelve or thirteen columns by which the British and Imperial forces penetrated the territory. Troops from all parts of the British Commonwealth distinguished themselves in the fighting. South Africans and Rhodesians fought beside men from Nigeria and Kenya. Australians and Indians combined their drives with those made under British and Australian direction by Abyssinian patriots. The result has been the restoration of the Negus to his lawful throne, and a set-back to Italian prestige in the African continent from which it may never recover.
It should not be forgotten, of course, that a decision still remains to be reached in the fighting along the Libyan frontier, where, under German guidance and with powerful German assistance, the Italians are attempting to redeem the defeat that cost them the loss of nearly 200,000 men, and an enormous amount of equipment. In fighting of this description, it is losses that count, not the miles of barren territory which may be gained. Especially does this apply to the Axis forces, who are handicapped by the lack of proper communications with Europe, owing to the British supremacy at sea. Replacements are difficult and dangerous, costly in life and in ships which can ill be spared. Yet every loss must be made good if the Ax forces are to retain their efficiency and continue to be able to meet on terms of equality the ever-increasing British strength. Equipment and supplies for the British troops are now reaching them by the safe route of the Red Sea in American bottoms—an inestimable advantage for which the Empire owes President Roosevelt and his countrymen the most heartfelt gratitude.
In contrast with the smooth ce-ordination between the various Empire peoples during the Abyssinian fighting, it is known that there is considerable friction and jealousy in the Axis camp, where the Germans do not conceal their contempt for the Italians, nor the Italians their dislike for the Germans. This friction, it is reported, has more than once gone so far as the blackest treachery by one partner of the Axis against the other, Mr. Robert Arden, a well-known correspondent and radio commentator who recently returned to the United States, gave an illustration of this when he gave one version of how the Germans got their troops to North Africa in such strength. Said Mr.
Arden "The Germans got their troops across to N. Africa by means of a ruse. Hitler told the Italians they must make another effort now that the Luftwaffe were firmly based in Sicily A number of Italian transports left for Tripoli, but meanwhile a German spy tipped off the British who prompte ly sent out a force which sank five Italian transports. While this was happening, some miles away, transports filled with Ge: mans crossed without interference. A typic Hunnish trick In comparison with this sort of thing, the Italian is a clean fighter, according to the men who have been busy beating him. This may explain why the Duke of Aosta, with his force completely surrounded and unable to escape in any direction, has asked for "terms" of surrender. There would seem on the face of it to be no choice left to him— either to surrender absolutely or to go on fighting to the end, which would mean the almost certain annihilation of his army. Why should the British consider "terms" when they have him in a trap? Nevertheless it might be feasible for the British to talk reasonably with an Italian soldier, while it would be the rankest folly ever to do any such thing with a Nazi. The Italians in Abyssinia may have realized by now that their partners, the Nazis, have no interest in keeping them alive, and would willingly see them cut to pieces, so long as they kept a certain number of British troops busy some hundreds of miles away from the Libyan front.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.