MARSHAL BADOGLIO’S PROCLAMATION

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 17, 15 October 1943, Page 5

MARSHAL BADOGLIO’S PROCLAMATION

Resistance And Democracy LONDON, October 13. The Italian declaration of war against Germany was made by Marshal Badoglio in a broadcast from the radio station at Bari. At the same time his proclamation was broadcast in English by the United Nations radio and by radio Brance in Algiers. The English text was followed 'by translations' in Italian, German and French. In London, and simultaneously in Moscow and Washington, a statement has been issued saying that the Governments of Great Britain, the United States and the Soviet Union accept the active cooperation of the Italian nation and its armed forces as a co-belligerent in the war against Germany. The three Governments acknowledge the Italian Government’s pledge that after the Germans have been driven out of Italy the people will be free to decide on the Government they want. The Allied statement emphasizes that the new relationship between Italy and the Governments of the United Nations cannot, of itself, affect the surrender terms recently signed by Italy. These retain their full force, and can only be adjusted by agreement among the. Allied Governments in the light of the assistance Italy may be able to afford to the cause of the United Nations. Shoulder to Shoulder. In his proclamation, Marshal Badoglio reminded the Italians that when their country surrendered he ordered the Italian troops to remain prepared to repel any acts of violence directed at them, from whatever source they might come. German troops, with synchronized action which clearly revealed that some previous onders were given from high authority, compelled some Italian units to disarm, and in many cases they proceeded to a decisive attack against the Italian troops. But German arrogance and ferocity did not stop there. Where the ferocity of the enemy surpassed every limit of human imaginatiton was at Naples. J tie heroic people of that city had strongly co-operated with the Anglo-American troops in putting the Germans to night. “Italians,” Marshal Badoglio said, “there will not be peace in Italy as long as a single German remains on our soil. Shoulder to shoulder we must march wit.i our friends of the United States, of Great Britain, of Russia, and of all the United Nations. Wherever Italian troops m i ly be, in the Balkans, Yugoslavia, Albania, and in Greece, they have witnessed similar acts of aggression and cruelty, and they must fight against the Germans to the last man.” The .proclamation and a statement which Marshal Badoglio gave later to the x Press reaffirmed that his Government would the broadened so as to make it thoroughly democratic. Marshal Badoglio sent a telegram to General Eisenhower saying: “By this declaration all ties with the dreadful past are broken, ami my Government will .'be proud- to march with you to* the inevitable victory,” Elections After Victory. In the statement to the Press, made at his headquarters, Marshal Badoglio said: “The Government of which I am the head was constitutionally nominated by the King. It has a single objective —to free the country of German oppression. It is obvious that this can only be done by a united military effort in which we shall work in the closest possible manner with the British and American forces. Eor the full accomplishment of this, all those who love Italy above all else must join according to the (best of their ability in the work of redemption.” Marshal Badoglio continued: “As soon as the war is ended and victory is won, as most surely it can be, the present Government will consider its mission accomplished and> will 'be thoroughly conW, having freedijthe. countrjj..p£ fier-