BLAMING THE ARMY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 December 1940, Page 2

BLAMING THE ARMY

FASCISTS TRYING TO FIND ‘ SCAPEGOATS. “ALMOST LIKE CIVIL WAR.” (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, December 14. While it is apparent that the Italian people do not regard with equanimity the reversals experienced by Italian arms in the war for which they had no desire, but into which they were coerced in order to further Mussolini’s aspirations, it is unlikely that the British and Greek victories, brilliant as they are, will at once bring about a debacle on the Italian home front. The present situation must dome as a profound shock even to devoted followers of the Duce, specially as events have shown how ill-prepared the country was for the military adventure rushed into by the political chief ul a time when he thought great gains could be secured from the success of his fellow dictator at the expense of an unfortunate neighbour. . Unrest and disillusionment are at present manifesting themselves even within Fascist circles, and an effort is being made to divert criticism from politicians and concentrate the blame on the army. Evidence that such unrest is occurring is given by Signor Farinacci, who, iii a newspaper article, states that it has become necessary, to issue strict orders to all leaders on former Fascist executives that the Fascist party will apply the sharpest measures against those who do not or will not understand that Italy is at war. While soldiers are sacrificing lives at the front a definite end will be put to defeatist and anti-Fascist propaganda.

Commenting on that article, the “Daily Telegraph” says that Signor Farinacci has been allowed or ordered to proclaim what looks almost like civil war. Marshal Badoglio and his friends in high places and in the army are the enemy. The newspaper then points out that the Ducc himself is commander-in-chief of the army and readily accepted the laurels of victory, but he apparently expected Marshal Badoglio to shoulder the responsibility in meeting adversity. It adds, “Before now self-imposed governments have found it necessary to find scapegoats in military commanders, and before now the scapegoat has turned into a veritable unicorn. The Rome radio spoke truly when at the end of an endeavour to belittle the Greek and British successes it stated: ‘ltalian people are aware that they are living in the gravest hour of their history? ” That the wars against Britain and Greece are politicians’ wars, for neither of which sufficient military preparation was made, is stressed in the •■Economist" in commenting on the resignation of Marshal Badoglio. Now that the wars have turned into war in earnest the politicians are rounding on the soldiers and blaming them for the miscarriage of their plans for an easy The “Economist adds: It is unlike1V that Marshal Badoglio resigned on the Albanian issue alone. It is possible hat it is the policy of subservience to ho Nazis that he cannot stomach. If Ee Sy alternative to Meat in AlIs Io coll In Germany. Marshal Badoglio may well have preferred defeat—or resignation. ’