NO COMMITMENT OR PROMISES

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 18, 16 October 1943, Page 5

NO COMMITMENT OR PROMISES

Relations With Italy

LONDON, October 14.

The British Government's relations with the Italian Government are based ou the armistice terms, and Italy’s declaration of war on Germany has not altered this.

This was emphasized in the House of Lords today after‘Lord Addington had asked what undertaking, if any, we had entered into with. Marshal Badoglio and his associates. He wanted to know if the Government kept in mind the past actions of these men. One must remember that the people of Yugoslavia, Greece, and Abyssinia had helped to defeat Italy, and what they had suffered. For 20 years neither the King of Italy nor Marshal Badoglio had protested against Mussolini’s exploits. , . Lord Strabolgi said he thought Britain had mishandled the political issues. Replying to the debate, the Leader of the House, Lord Cranborne, said there was no shadow of foundation for the fear that the Government xvas weakening in the principles for which we had fought. ‘’Our relations with the Italian Government are based on the armistice terms,” he said. “No' obligations have been entered into and no promises given. The most we have told the Italian Government is that the extent to which the surrender terms will be modified in their application will depend upon the degree of assistance which Italy renders us in the future prosecution of the war against Germany. It is clear that the position under the armistice is in no way altered by the King’s" declaration of war on Germany. Anti-Fascist Elements. “It is true that we welcome the declaration as an earnest of his intention to exert all the'force in 'his power against what has become a common enemy, but that does not involve the United Nations or any member of the United Natioira in any” further obligations' to Italy. There are no secrets or implied commitments of any kind.” Lord Cranborne said that the threcPower statement on Italy's action was, he believed, the first such document issued jointly by Britain, the United States and Russia, and was very satisfactory evidence of the identity of view and closeness of collaboration between them on this question. It was the Government’s intention that the present Italian Government should be broadened by the inclusion of representatives of all anti-Fascist elements, and both the King and Marshal Badoglio had stated that they intended to build up such a Government. Meanwhile, we should be glad to see the arrival of any democratic leaders in Italy. Every facility had been given for the return of Count Sforza. He had seen Mr. Churchill and Mr. Eden and was now on his way to Italy. Grave Charges. Referring to the criticisms of having had any dealings with the King and Marshal Badoglio, Lord Cranborne pointed out the necessity for the Allies to deal with some authority, and said it appeared to them that the King and Marshal Badoglio had the necessary authority. “Both before and since the armistice,” he added, “they acted toward us in good faith, and they have done their utmost to comply loyally with the armistice conditions. ’ As regards Generals Ambrosio and Roatta, an inquiry had already been instituted regarding grave charges which had been made against them, and if these were substantiated appropriate action would be taken, he stated. The Government certainly did not desire the inclusion in the Italian Government, of any man who had been proved responsible for acts of barbarity against any of the United Nations. On September .30, after the Allied Northwest African commanders ana political

representatives had conferred with Marshal Badoglio. an Allied headquarters communique announced the formation of a now Badoglio Government with General Ambrosio as chief of the general staff: General Boiittn. chief of the army staff: General Sandalli. Minister of Air; Admiral Courtc-n, Minister of the Navy; and the Duke of Aquarone, Minister of the Royal .Household.