765.84/4239: Telegram
The Chargé in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 4—7:28 a.m.]
121. According to information obtained from War and Air Ministries this morning no important military developments have taken place during the last 24 hours in the Italian advance on Addis Ababa. Askari troops are said to be in the neighborhood of the city and it has even been reported that they have been there for several days. The military authorities here state, however, that they are being held there as a threat and will not enter the city unless conditions there become desperate. It is also stated at Air Ministry that it has so far been impossible to land plane in the city owing to hostile gun fire and the conditions of the landing field. Badoglio’s column of white troops is said to be held up by the destruction of the roads and bridges and by the heavy rains and officers at War Ministry would not commit themselves as to the time when he may be expected to reach the city. According to reports received up to present, Badoglio was about 30 miles from the city last night.
The impression continues throughout the city here that the capture of Addis Ababa may be announced at any moment and that there may be important declarations at the reopening of the Chamber this afternoon.
Repeated to Geneva.