The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-11-25

BY EDWARD w. BEATTIE | Copyright, 1885 by United Fress)
 Addis Ababa, Nov. 25--(UP)- Ethiopia claimed the rout of three Italian battalions on the northern front today, with more than 100 Italians killed.
 An official communique said that the fight occurred near Hawale north of Makale on the northerV front. The three Italian battalions it was asserted, had plundered a village and had encamped prepar- atory to feasting on captured cat- tie.
 Ethiopians under the Dedjaz- match woress, 1t was said, surprised the Italians in a defile in the moun- tainS, attacked furiously and killed the commander and more than 100 men, according to the estimate of those present. The rest of the Ital- ians were put to flight, it was as- | serted and eight horses and 1S| mules laden with ammunition were captured.
 Is Not Confirmed
 This claiming victory was impos- sible to confirm, as usual.
 The communique which an- nounced it was sequel to state- ment yesterday which asserted that 4,700 Italians had been killed on the northern front alone in the last two weeks. This came from ulsual- ly well-informed semi-offlcial Sourc- es. It was said also that more than 1000 rifles and 40 machine guns with ammunition were captured.
 Naturally such reports were not accepted at their face value.
 AS to the southern front officials admit they do not believe reports from Harar that the Philippians have retaken Gorrahei which the Italians occupied several weeks ago If there was an Ethiopian victory at Gorrahei, they said, 1t probably was that of flying column which cut in behind the Italian forces to harass them.
 It is indicated strongly that this harassing policy is to be pursued with all energy in the next few weeks on all fronts by orders of the emperor. He wants to make life as nearly unbearable for the Ital- ians as possible, by means of snip ing and raiding parties which take advantage of night time and the hilly country in the north, and the thin Italian lines in the south, to raid small Italian forces and then retreat.
 When the emperor goes to the northern front he will decide whether there is to be big battle knowing that this is just what the Italians want. Would Be Hostile Act Copyright 1895 by United Press) Rome, Nov. 25-(UP)-An Italian government spokesman told the United Press today that if the Unit ed States should declare an oil em- bargo against Italy 1t would be con- l sidered not only an unfriendly but a hostile" act and would necessi- tate the adoption of Italian co,ln- ter measures.
 The attitude of the United States has become vital matter to Italy. If the United States should refusc the raw materials Italy must have for her war, then difficulties would be increased many times.
 Since the outbreak of war Italy has depended on 8 flow of goods from the United States to defea! League of Nations penalty. A de- parture by President Roosevelt from what is called here American neu- trality would be hard blow.
 Italian Report
 Rome, Nov. 25.-(UP)-Scattere Italian operations along the north- ern front were reported by Mar shal Smilio De Bono to-day in of- | ticial communique No. 54. It said:
 Along the front of the First Army corps, Natoinal and Eritrean | soldiers accomplished scouting op- erations on the Scelicot- -Eicallet line (west of Makale towards the Takazee river.)
 Along the front of the second army corps, the work of reorganiz- ing the region politically and mili- tarily has been completed.
 Ordinary military headquarters and political offices have been established in the more important localities.
 "Detachments of the Gaviana di- vision have occupied the region of Enda- a-Micael and zongui, south- eastward of Aduwa, thus uniting themselves with the black shirts and Eritrean troops which occu- pied Tzahama and Nadir.
 "Eritrean troops definitely have occupied the lords of the Takazee river southward of the region of Soire.
 "The aviation units continued active explorations"