ITALY’S ENTRY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 June 1940, Page 6

ITALY’S ENTRY

ALLIES’ DETERMINATION INCREASED . /J :_2. ILcj -u ROOSEVELT'S ANNOUNCEMENT INSPIRATION FOR ALL FREE PEOPLE. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11.45 a.m.) RUGBY, June 11. Mr C. R. Attlee, Lord Privy Seal, speaking in the House of Commons in the absence of Mr Churchill through pressure of work, said Italy’s entry into the war would increase our determination. Britain and France had always been prepared to consider any real grievances Italy might feel. They had been patient under every kind of provocation and abuse. Why then did Italy declare war? It was because Mussolini had used the arguments of a jackal, that sensed the possibility of getting some scraps from another beast’s kill—the argument of a petty sneak thief who hoped to rifle the pockets of the murderer’s victim. Mr Attlee said President Roosevelt’s announcement after Mussolini s dastardly decision had vitally inspired all free peoples of Europe. , His assurance regarding material resources made it inevitable, however, that the hard road of civilisation would in the end prevail. Mr Attlee stated: “I believe many Italians are filled with shame. When Italy, so long divided and to a great extent enslaved by Germans, sought to become a united nati'on it was British sympathy and French arms which enabled her to attain her desire. She has now stabbed France in the back. ’ Mussolini, he added, was profoundly mistaken if he hoped to get pickings for a new Roman Empire from Britain’s destruction. The French, who were never greater than in adversity, were fighting magnificently and Britain was standing firmly beside France. “Italians, like Germany, will find they have got to meet resolute resistance. They are already finding what is the might.of seapower,” he added. “We have no illwill towards Italian people. We are sorry they should be brought into the slaughter on account of one man’s overweaning ambition and lust of blood but we are prepared to meet the challenge. We shall give blow for blow.” A few hours after the dictator of Italy had made his dastardly announcement before the serried ranks of Black- <■ shirts, said Mr Attlee, the United States President had delivered a message worthy of a great free republic, sending all the Americas’ sympathies to those nations who were giving their lifeblood to combat the forces of hate. “This new attack causes us no dismay,” he said. “It makes no difference to our stern resolution or confidence in our ability to withstand all attacks and achieve victory.” FIGHTING FORCES ITALIAN APPOINTMENTS. COUNT CIANO COMMANDS AIR SQUADRON. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 10.50 a.m.) ROME, June 11. Signor Mussolini has now appointed Marshal Badoglio chief of the general staff, and has confirmed the appointment of Marshal Graziani as chief of the staff, Army; Admiral Cavagnari as chief of the staff, Navy; and General Pricolo, as chief of staff, Air Force. Count Ciano has taken over the command of an air squadron with the rank of major. TRANSFERRED FROM ROME. AN UNSTATED DESTINATION. (Received This Day, 10.50 a.m.) ROME, June 11. The military command and headquarters staffs of the service and ministries have been transferred from Rome to an unstated destination.

DECREES APPROVED INCREASES IN WAR EFFORT. (Received This Day, 10.55 a.m.) ROME, June 11. Cabinet has approved a decree declaring a state of war throughout Italy and her possessions, also Bills for fixing the prices of goods, rents, salaries of officials, for increasing penalties for crimes and fpr requisitioning commercial and industrial concerns managed or predominantly controlled by foreigners.