FAILURE OF INVASION PLAN

Evening Star, Issue 23699, 5 October 1940, Page 11

FAILURE OF INVASION PLAN

POSSIBILITY OF QUICK DECISION GONE i LONDON, October 4. (Received October 5, at 11.10 a.m.) The Ilitler-Mussolini talks ended after 2h 40min. A communique stated: “ Within the framework of a routine exchange of views, the Du'ce and the Fuhrer met for a cordial meeting conducted in the spirit of the Axis leaders in the presence of Ciano and von Ribbentrop. They studied all problems of interest to the two countries. General vori Keitel was present during the last part of the conversation. The talks were continued during luncheon, at which the Foreign Ministers were also present.’'

A message from Rome says the trains in which Hitler and Mussolini conferred were heavily armoured. Fighter planes patrolled overhead. The * Popolo di Roma ’ says Mussolini and Hitler probably discussed a joint plan for a long war. It adds: “ No compromise is possible, as victory is the only aim of the Axis. Britain is worried because time is working against her and not for her. Consequently Italy and Germany do not fear a long war.”

The Associated Press version savs the ‘Popolo di Roma’ talked of the failure of the German plans to invade Britain, in consequence of which Italy and Germany lost the possibility of a short war.

Berlin authorities are most reticent regarding the meeting and expressed indignation that it was revealed prematurely. They said the Fuhrer’s movements were a military secret, and threatened to invoke the espionage laws, “ which apply to foreign journalists the same as others.’l

Such of the cable news in this Issue as is so headed has appeared in 1 The Times.’ and is sent to this paper by special permission. If should be understood that the opinions are not those of ’ The Times ’ unless expressly stated to be so.