NOT UNEXPECTED

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 164, 11 June 1940, Page 7

NOT UNEXPECTED

BUT NOT JUSTIFIED. BRITISH ANALYSIS. (United Press Associution—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) / (British Official Wireless.) Received June 11, 10.43 a.m. RUGBY, June 10. Signor Mussolini announced this afternoon to the Italian people that he was leading them into the war which Hitler began last September by unprovoked aggression upon Poland. That original assault upon the independence of a nation to which the Nazi leader had given pledges of non-aggression has been followed by brutal and unjustified attacks upon Denmark, Norway, Holland and Belgium.

Alongside the perpetrator' of this series of violations of international right, Signor Mussolini to-day has asked the Italian people to take up arms. The Allies cannot complain that this challenge is unexpected. For many weeks past it had been obvious that the head of the Fascist Government was feverishly, intent on preparing the minds of the Italians for war against France and Britain, Such preparation was necessary because neither Italian honour or Italian interest, nor any reason which could appeal to the calm judgment of the Italian people, required Italy’s participation in the war. Britain and Italy' have never before been at war. The two peoples have long entertained feelings of sympathy and mutual esteem. , Since the war began and Signor Mussolini announced his attitude of non-belligerence, the Allied Governments had been at pains to respect Italian interests in every proper way, in the application of the contraband and other exercise of their undoubted belligerent rights. DUCE’S STRATEGY. Signor Mussolini has known the two Governments, were ready at any time to discuss in a reasonable spirit all legitimate Italian aspirations. Signor Mussdlini has preferred to wait until he could intervene on the side of his Axis partner at the moment of greatest embarrassment to the Allies in the hope of aiding the rapid success of German arms with the minmum contribution from Italy, for which timely assistance he would hope to share in the plunder. Many Italians will set , their own value on that hope, and will not relish the prospect of fighting for the aggrandisement of Germany, knowing that a Nazi victory must 'be as disastrous to the historical interests of Italy, as it would be to those civilised values which most Italians cherish. In his speech this afternoon Signor Mussolini gave assurances to Yugoslavia, Greece, and Turkey. It is observed in London that the history of the totalitarian policy gives sinister significance to such an assurance, which is not .likely to be overlooked in Belgrade, Athens and Ankara.

WHAT ITALY FACES. The Ministry of Information to-day issued a Press notice which concluded: ..“This is to be a long war. Unless Germany : collapses unexpectedly, it will be fought, as Mr Churchill declared, on the oceans, on land, and m the air, with the vast resources at the disposal of the Allies until the German menace has been lifted from Europe. “There can be no hope, therefore, of Italy obtaining great successes in a short while and at little cost: Sue will be called upon for great sacrifices —and to whose advantage ? Germany’s 1 -v _ “The Allied Governments had for some time discounted the decision of Italy to enter the war as Germany’s vassal. Their preparations are complete, and they will know how to meet sword with sword.” The Italian Government spokesman has denied that attacks have begun anywhere. He declared that. the operations will not start until after midnight. . CHURCH’S MISSION. COURAGE AND COMFORT. (British Official Wireless.) Received June 11. 9.52 a.m. RCoIBY, June 10. The King opened the new Church House at Westminster this afternoon, when ho attended the first session of the Church Assembly to be held in the new building. ' , In ah address, His Majesty said: “The striking response given to my request for a Day of National Prayer shows how readily the heart of the nation turns to God. In these anxious days I feel confident that tlie Chur.ch will everywhere endeavour to inspire the people with calmness and courage, and bring help and* comfort into the hearts and minds of us all.”