Demonstrations in Italy Over Country's Consent

Rotorua Morning Post, Issue 5327, 13 February 1947, Page 7

Demonstrations in Italy Over Country's Consent

ROME, Feb. 11. Sirens throughout Italy summoned Italians to "10 minutes' silence a sign of mourning for the signing of the peace treaty. Fighting began in the Piazza Venezia when a crowd estimated at 25,000 gathered to protest against the signing. . Students and left wing sympathisers were involved, and sticks and clubs were used. Demonstrators broke into the Yugoslav military misSion and raised the Italian flag from one of the balconies. Some demonstrators seized the laurel wreath bearing the United States flag from the tomh of the Unknown Warrior and ripped the wreath and flag to pieces. Students marched to the Hotel Milano, where R.A.F. headquarters are established, booed, catcalled and threw stones at the windows. Police' were rushed to- the Piazza Venezia to quieten the crowds.

The Italian Foreign Minister, Count Sforza, announced that he had sent a cablegram to the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Bevin, stating: "I wish personally to assure you that democratic Italy aspires to collaborate as a free and fully independent country toward agreement among the nations. Italy is convinced that there should he a rebirth of the traditional ties of mutual confidence between our two countries. I count on you." Count Sforza said there was a feeling of bitter disillusio'nment that no consideration had been taken of the part Italy played on t,he Allied side. She was sending Notes to the Allied Government sptting out arguments for better treatment of Italy. The Greek Embassy in Paris delivered a Note to the French Foreign Office detailing Greek objections to> the Italian and other treaties in which Greece had failed to obtain her full demands.