ITALIANS UNHAPPY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 September 1941, Page 6

ITALIANS UNHAPPY

DEEP AND WIDESPREAD UNREST BUT TIGHT NAZI CONTROL MAINTAINED. HOPES OF EARLY BREAK-UP PREMATURE. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11.10 a.m.) RUGBY. September 28. Whilo many reports continue to reach London illustrating the great wave of resistance and sabotage which is sweeping the Germanoccupied countries of Europe, messages describing the conditions in Italy indicate that she is hardly less under the control of Germany than the nations conquered by the Nazi forces, and hardly less restless. The introduction of bread rationing throughout the country is taken to confirm the report of the seriousness of the food position in Italy. The Columbia Broadcasting Company's correspondent at Ankara said: “The Germans are active in Italy, not only as a military but also as a bureaucratic force, and their presence is openly resented by the people and by high. Fascist Party members alike. German officials now occupy key posts in all the Italian Ministries. Suggestions, however, that the deep unrest which undoubtedly does exist, Italy’s dislike for the war and for the Germans, and waning faith in the Fascist system may soon result in a break-up of the country and the overthrow of its Government is considered by competent observers to be. to say the least premature. The very fact that the authoritatarian Fascist system has been in control of the country for so many years means that every important position in the country is held by members of the party and every likely leader of an anti-Fascist rising has been either eliminated or is under close surveillance. The virtual control which the Nazis have taken, of the country will also considerably hamper any practical or organised expression of this growing unrest.”