May 20.
The last traces of Ttalian influence in East Africa seem about to disappear, after whol military 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 roadless wastes, mountains' abounding in natural strongholds, and presenting almost insuperable problems of supply. It is probable that it was these supply difficulties that prevented the Italians from talking 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 oF 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 yht beside men from Nigeria and Keny: 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 ess 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 Axis 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 inestim= able advantage for which the Empire owes President Roosevelt and his countrymen the most heartfelt gratitude, Tu 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 Ger-Smans. 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, My, Robert Arden, a well-known correspondent and radio commentator who recently returned to the United States, gave
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.