BADOGLIO RETIRED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 December 1940, Page 7

BADOGLIO RETIRED

CHIEF OF THE ITALIAN GENERAL STAFF ANOTHER SIGN OF DISSARAY. INDICATIONS OF CLASH ' WITH MUSSOLINI. LONDON, December 6. Marshal Badoglio, Chief of the Italian General Staff and righthand man in military matters of Mussolini, who is Chief of the Armed Forces, has been relieved of his post at his own request. The form in which the announcement has been made in Rome contains a strong suggestion that Marshal Badoglio has taken that way of showing his disapproval of Mussolini’s reckless offensive against Greece. It is known that his disapproval is shared by the Italian Army, both officers and men. Many reports from the front have stated that the Italians’ heart is not in the war, and the only element that has shown any zeal has been the fanatical Blackshirt militia. The rift between the Fascist Party and the Army has been in evidence for some time. The Fascist leaders have been criticising the High Command’s conduct of the campaign, and the Army on the other hand has not concealed its opinion that the war is unjustified, unwise and unpopular. So far, the 8.8. C. states, no explanation has been given in Rome of the removal of Marshal Badoglio from the position of Chief of the Italian General Staff, save that he was relieved at his own request. It is being suggested that the marshal has been removed on account of his age. He is 69 years old and his successor is nine years younger. The action taken is regarded as indicating that Marshal Badoglio is not in sympathy with, the military policy of Signor Mussolini.

ABLE COMMANDER LOST TO THE ITALIAN ARMY. CAREER OF NEW CHIEF OF STAFF. (Received This Day, 11.0 a.m.) LONDON. December G. It is authoritatively stated in London that it is reasonable to assume that Marshal Badoglio is out of sympathy with Mussolini’s present military policy. The resignation deprives the Fascists of one of their most experienced commanders. It is reported from Rome that General Cavallero’s appointment as Chief of the General Staff, has already taken effect. Marshal Badoglio remains president of the National Council of Research, which covers the military and scientific fields. General Cavallero received Italy’s highest military decoration, the Order of Savoy, for reorganising the Italian defences after the inglorious debacle at Caporetto. He retired from active service for two years after, the last war. Some quarters suggest that Marshal Badoglio resigned to show his disapproval of Mussolini’s reckless enterprise against Greece and that his displeasure is shared by the officers and men of the Italian Army.