EFFECT THROUGHOUT WORLD

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 45, 16 November 1940, Page 11

EFFECT THROUGHOUT WORLD

Press Comment On Blow

(British Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, November 14.

The significance of the resounding victory’ at Taranto has been recognized throughout the entire neutral world and has had a heartening effect in countries where resistance to Axis aggression still continues. Congratulations to Mr. Churchill, Mr. Alexander, and to all concerned are echoed in the British Press. “The Times" says:—“This brilliant victory changes the naval and perhaps the political situation to an extent that is difficult to over-estimate.” It points out that the balance in the Mediterranean which was overturned by the defection of the French fleet is fully restored, and adds that such a decisive defeat, inflicted upon the Italian navy immediately after the reverse at the hands of the Greeks, should go far toward dispelling the aura of Axis invincibility throughout the Mediterranean countries, with incalculable effect upon their future policy. The “Daily Mail,” in a leading article, says that the crippling of Italy’s battle fleet will compel the Axis Powers to readjust their campaign' Hitler can no longer count on Italy’s navy as an instrument for cowing small neutrals. The Soviet has always taken a realistic view of British naval and air power. Her experts have consistently refused to tie deceived by Hiller’s and Mussolini’s inflated claims. The “Daily Mail” adds that Italy is very far from beaten, and applauds the British Government for choosing this moment to warn Spain that it will take action if an attempt is made to fortify Tangier.