HOSTILITIES BEGIN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 June 1940, Page 5

HOSTILITIES BEGIN

ACCORDING TO NEW YORK REPORT MUSSOLINI IN SUPREME COMMAND. FRANCE READY FOR ITALIAN MOVE. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. LONDON, June 11. A message from New York says that Columbia Radio picked up an Italian radio announcement at 11 p.m. (3 a.m. today, British summer time) stating that’hostilities started four hours previously and that the first war communique was expected shortly. This morning the French High Command states: ‘~On" the front in the Alps our troops are in position and have not yet been attacked.” Italy has lost three merchant ships, two being scuttled and one captured. The last, of 8700 tons, had left Montreal, but was overtaken by a Canadian warship. The two scuttled vessels, one of 6000 tons and the other unknown were at Gibraltar. Their crews took this action after they had heard Signor Mussolini’s speech declaring war on the Allies.

Montreal also reports that the Italian freighter Caponoli was scuttled and is burning on the St. Lawrence River two miles north of Rimouski. A Canadian pilot ran the vessel aground when he saw the Italian crew setting fire to the ship.

Rome radio announced that Mussolini will be the Supreme Commander of the Italian armed forces, though King Victor Emmanuel still remains the nominal, chief. Marshal Badoglio has been appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Army. The radio states that Italy will fight the. war cleanly provided her enemies do likewise. The Paris radio, commenting on the declaration of war, says: “We welcome Mussolini’s decision. We know it .is taken against the will of the Italian people. This brother nation are looking on in horror as they are driven into a terrible adventure. The Alps are insurmountable, and all the other gates to France are barred. We were expecting Mussolini's move and we are ready for it.” ATTACK MADE ACTIONS AT THREE POINTS. ACCORDING TO ROME REPORT. LONDON,'June 12. An agency report from Rome says that Italian forces began their attacks at several points shortly before dawn this morning, but no details of the points of attack are given. An authoritative statement made in London on the battle for Paris says: “The Germans yesterday and on Sunday launched an attack on both sides of Rethel which has made very little progress. Their losses in men and tanks are colossal. The Germans are throwing everything they have got into this battle. “The French are fighting with a spirit and vigour that are beyond praise. They are fighting a second Verdun on an enormous scale, and we are doing all that is possible to help them. There is no doubt that the main force of this German attack will be spent in the next three or four days.” In a reference to the United States it is declared: “It is better for the Allies to have one division badly equipped now that 10 divisions well equipped in three months’ time, and hence the United Stales’ help, if it is to be useful, must come immediately. “If we can hang on till September the war will be won.” It is reported that German attempts to outflank the Maginot Line in the eastern sector have been repulsed, as well as attempts to cross the Seine. The Paris newspapers are appearing for the last lime. In future they will be merged into one single sheet. The Bourse has been removed to the provinces. It is announced that the Government left at General Weygand’s request. ATTACK ON MALTA WAR OFFICE COMMUNIQUE. (Received This Day, 10.40 a.m.) RUGBY, June 11. ; A War Office communique states that at 4.50 a.m. a raid by about ten hostile aircraft was carried out on Malta. Further raids followed during the morning. The casualties were slight and little damage was done. One enemy plane was destroyed.