IN ALLIED ZONES

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

IN ALLIED ZONES

Eight Italian Divisions

(Received October 14, 9.35 p.m.) LONDON, October 13. It is assumed that Marshal Badoglio or his personal representative will be attached to General Eisenhower’s headquarters, says Reuter’s correspondent at the Allied headquarters. The questions of the degree and manner of co-belliger-ency with which the Italians will aid the Allies call for considerable work regarding both policy and details. It is believed that eight or nine Italian divisions are at present available to Marshal Badoglio, two or three of them in occupied Italy, about four in Corsica and two in Sardinia. In addition, there are several hundred Italian airmen in the Al-lied-occupied territory; and the unknown number of individual soldiers who have escaped through the German lines can be reorganized.

The texts of the Notes and proclamations are being broadcast repeatedly to Italy from the United Nations radio. Field-Marshal Smuts, before flying to London, took a lengthy part in a conference of the Allied leaders in North Africa during the final stage of the negotiations leading up to the declaration. The conference was attended by an impressive group of the highest Mediterranean commanders, headed by General Eisenhower. Moscow radio announced Italy’s declaration in a special bulletin, in which the declaration was read in full, German Reaction. Bari radio announced tonight that King Victor Emmanuel has visited several units of the Italian Fleet. The German news’ agency, commenting on the Italian declaration of war, says: “This merely puts the finishing touch to the Italian treachery. The Italians have been fighting on the British and American side against the Germans in Italy for weeks, and the situation, therefore, is not changed. Badoglio and his adherents have confirmed their submission to the disgraceful British demands and have again shown that they will no longer refrain from even the dirtiest action in order to favour their personal interests.” The United States War Department announced that Italy’s declaration of war against Germany will not immediately change the status of the Dalian prisoners, Iml. the possibility of a future change is being studied. The department added : “An announcement of the disposition of the Italian prisoners of war in the hands of the Allied troops abroad is a matter for the theatre commander concerned.”