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Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 233, 29 June 1944, Page 4

News that three passes from Italy to France are held by proAllied Italians is potentially significant in view of the rapid progress being made In Italy .by the Fifth and Eighth Armies. Of the passes named, two —Monte Genevre and the Col de Larche —are situated southwest of Turin. Indeed, the Col de Larahc, a pass at 6500 feet, is in the Maritime Alps due north of Nice and not more than 50 miles from the coast. The seizure of these keypoints, particularly that of the Col de Larche, offers an important advantage; but even more vital is the rail-’ way and road network which borders the Gulf of Genoa from the Italian coastline opposite the island of Elba, to the French territory of the Riviera. The Allies are already at the beginning of this route, which was one of the most famous tourist journeys <n pre-war Europe, and a mqans of journeying from Italy to France along comparatively level country. An army advancing this way would receive vital flank protection by the elosjourneying from Italy to France along comparatively level country.

In his campaign in support of the proposed changes of the Federal Constitution Dr. Evatt, who is credited with drafting the amendments, has been giving special attention to Western Australia, that part of Australia said to be traditionally least in favour of government. Possibly Mr. Curtin, who represents Fremantle in the Federal House, will be able to exercise considerable influence in that part of the Commonwealth, but the people there have shown no disposition to endorse changes that would give greater power to the authorities at Canberra. In 1933 there was a referendum in Western Australia on the question: “Are you in favour of the State of Western Australia withdrawing from the Federal Commonwealth?” A second question dealt with the proposal to hold a convention, with an equal number of representatives from each State, for the purpose of recommending changes in the Constitution. The first proposal was carried by 138,653 votes to 70,706 and the second was defeated by over 30,000 votes. That strong expression of opinion probably explains why Dr. Evatt has opened his campaign in the west.