765.84/3849
The Ambassador in Italy (Long) to the Secretary of State
Sir: With reference to my despatch No. 1550 of February 13th (Italo-Abyssinian Conflict; Military Aspects),18 I have the honor to transmit herewith additional reports by the Military Attaché to this Embassy19 regarding the Italian campaign in Abyssinia and related subjects.
Contrary to predictions, the much discussed new offensive in the Abyssinian campaign began from the northern rather than from the southern front. Territorially the advance was modest, only about 16 miles being gained, but from a military point of view the victory is heralded as being the most important of the war, so far. Besides defeating a large Abyssinian army with heavy losses, which Italian estimates place as high as 20,000 including killed and wounded, the Italians are now in a strong strategic position near the approach to the gorge of Mai Mesci [Ma Meshik?] on the road to Addis Ababa.
According to reports from Addis Ababa appearing in the Italian press, a council of war is being held in the Ethiopian capital which, it is suggested, may result in the adoption of a radically different plan of defence for the northern front. On the southern front aviation has been active in bombing and dispersing enemy concentrations but no new territory has been occupied. It is supposed that General Graziani is waiting for his new reenforcements to arrive before attempting any further advance.
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Respectfully yours,