ITALY’S ROLE

Evening Star, Issue 23379, 23 September 1939, Page 8

ITALY’S ROLE

VIGOROUS PEACE CAMPAIGN ANXIOUS EYES ON GERMAN-SOVIET MOVES NEW YORK, September 21. The Rome correspondent of the ‘ New York Times ’ reported by radiophone that the Italian newspapers have opened a full blast campaign on Hitler’s behalf for peace. The words “ useless and' senseless war ” appear in all editorials. England is told that she is beaten, and had better give up. The German arguments are given in all their nakedness. i “Why; after being so friendly .and cautiotis to the Allies, is Italy playing Germany’s game?” asks the correspondent. “It does not mean that she is joining Germany, but it does mean that she wants to see the war end now as Germany wants to see it end; otherwise she is resolved to maintain neutrality.” “ M. Caliuescu’s assassination caused great excitement. The Italians are keenly concerned about Rumania, and expected tho Germans to make a move from the outside, but obviously the same.results can bo obtained from internal overthrow. Thie Italians are even more worried over the possibility of Russia taking Bessarabia, but so far as can be ascertained the Soviet has no plan of action in the present circumstances.”

OLD GERMAN TRICKS MINES IN STEEL HATS LONDON, September 22. The Paris correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ recounts that the Germane are using the old tricks employed in the Hindenburg Line in the retreats on the Western Front. Mines concealed under steel helmets explode when the helmets are picked up, others detonating when door handles of abandoned cottages are turned. The Germans buried a French officer killed during .an attack, erected a tomb, and laid a wreath. Then they exploded a mine when French soldiers, after counter-attacking, reached the grave and knelt helmetless to pay homage to their comrade. The French are gradually clearing up the hidden traps. LIGHTS ON IN BERLIN NO DANGER OF AIR ATTACK LONDON, September 22. 'fbe Amsterdam correspondent of the ‘ Daily Telegraph ’ says Berlin’s streets wore illuminated last night lor the first time since the Polish conflict began. The reason given is that there is now no danger of air attacks from the cast, and those from the west can he repulsed.