The Detroit Tribune

HAILE SELASSIE
MAY RETURN TO
FORMER
EMPIRE

London—(ANP)—Successes now enjoyed by Ethiopian guerillas in attacks on Addis Ababa and Italian strongholds have led Emperor Haile Selassie, now living quietly at exclusive Worthing, in Sussex, to reconsider the possibility of returning to Gore, capital of unconquered Ethiopia, to lead the fight on the invaders.

Chief obstacles to such a program are his wife and Ras Kassa, one of his ablest generals who followed him in exile and whose son is leading the Addis Ababa attack, and his lack of money. The little king of kings realizes he would be unable to supply his soldiers with the arms and ammunition they would eventually demand.

It has been definitely established that Selassie does not have the fabulous treasure accredited to him by sensational journalists who saw him leave French Somaliland with many trunks. Popularly believed to contain millions of dollars worth of gold and silver, it has been since learned that these trunks and chests contained mainly heirlooms of little value to anybody except himself and family.

His funds are known to actually be so limited that if invested at the present time would yield a monthly income not exceeding $500. Most of his vast fortune was spent in fighting a fruitless war against the invaders.

European powers both encourage and discourage Haile's return. His presence in Ethiopia would serve to prevent recognition of Italian rule which it is believed France and England will do as soon as is advisable. His presence would also serve to prevent currently rebellious chiefs from going to the Italian side following the end of the rainy season when the invaders can bring gas and planes into play.

On the other hand, if France and Britain have decided definitely to recognize Italy's conquest they might keep him out of Ethiopia to avoid complications since he could return to his country only by their cooperation. The case of Dedjasmatch Makonnen, former governor of Edilbabuu, is recalled by the Emperor's counsellors.

This governor consulted with Selassie recently in London and then attempted to return home. British authorities held him up at Khartum until it was definitely decided at the recent league of nations meet that Italian domination would be recognized. He was finally allowed to proceed on July 6—and has not been heard from since.

Word from Gore and from various legations at Addis Ababa refute British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden's assertion that there is no organized resistance in Abyssinia, as well as reveal the present whereabouts of many prominent native officials.

Ras Imru, recognized before the war as one of the negus' most dependable rulers, has a permanent base at Gore. Working with him is Bitwaded Walde Sadek, former president of the Ethiopian senate, who exercises authority over chiefs of Wallega and Kaffa, said to be a larger strip of land than that under control of the Italians.

Ras Desta, who led the forces on the extreme southeastern front; Dedjasmatch Gabre Mariam, former governor of Hara, and Fukre Selassie, former finance minister, are in the vast and seemingly impenetrable province of Sidamo and reputedly in constant touch with Gore.

Ras Seyoum, best fighter of the rases in Ethiopia, is directing guerilla warfare in Tembien province with the help of Dedjasmatch Ayelou, and his forces are responsible for the recent bloody battle on the Dessye Addis Ababa road. Recently these Ethiopians are reported to have wiped out an entire Italian column after a three-day battle, although at great cost to themselves.

More Abyssinian activity is reported in the Chercher district west of Harar, where the remnants of the Harar army under Fiturari Melion continue to harass Italian patrols. Ethiopians deny the invaders captured Garamuelta, mountain stronghold where Jejjasu was formerly imprisoned.

Addis Ababa is being kept in a constant state of siege by Dedjasmatch Aberra, Ras Kassa's son, reported to have been wounded in a raid on the capitol recently. A ring has been drawn around the town by fierce irregular bands who constantly elude the Askari, Italian native troops, and prevent the peasantry from bringing foodstuffs into the city. Many peasants have been executed for trying to break the siege.

An estimated 300,000 warriors still possess guns and many are engaged in this guerilla warfare. Between 50,000 and 100,000 have been killed or maimed during the regular fighting.

Many rifles and machine guns have been reported by Ethiopians captured in raids on Addis Ababa. The capitol's native population has been ordered to stay indoors and there have been many executions, including that of Bishop Petros, for aiding the Abyssinians.

A band of Ethiopian tribesmen is said to be entrenched outside Addis Ababa near the Djibouti railway. They are commanded by Tecle Hawariat, who abandoned his post as Ethiopian minister to Paris to serve in the field under Selassie.

At Lake Tana a tribal army under Gen. Wand Bawassan, another son of Ras Kassa, was reported successfully battling Italian troops sent to drive him away. The slaughter has been great on both sides and the Fascists were said to be in danger of complete annihilation.