Revolt in Abyssinia
The necessary decision taken by the British last summer to withdraw from Somaliland was undoubtedly a discouragement to Abyssinians who hoped to profit by Italy's pre-occupations and raise the flag of revolt among the tribesmen. But much has happened since then to demonstrate to the tribesmen the vulnerability of the Italians. Reports from Nairobi indicate that the organisation of revolt is now assuming serious pro- portions. Thousands of Abyssinians are openly or secretly opposing Italian rule, and leaders of guerilla bands, recently reinforced by dispossessed landowners, peasants and deserters from the Italian service, have been seizing every opportunity of harassing the enemy. Convoys of lorries have been attacked and destroyed, frontier posts have been raided, and on one occasion it is reported that a whole battalion was lured into a forest where it suffered heavy casualties. The bands have to some extent succeeded in arming themselves by their captures of rifles and ammunition, but it is obvious that organised efforts should be made to keep them supplied with modern arms. The position of the Italian forces in Abyssinia is not an enviable one. Cut off from outside help in the form of reinforcement and supplies, harassed from the air and by the forces operating from the Sudan and Kenya, and attacked from within by guerilla bands, they cannot maintain themselves indefinitely. The period of their resistance will be shortened in proportion as we can enlist the support of the Abyssinians themselves. Active steps are now being taken in that direction.
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