AT LOW EBB

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 November 1942, Page 3

AT LOW EBB

THE FORTUNES OF ITALY GROWING APPREHENSION REPORTED, CLOSE-RANGE BOMBING IN PROSPECT. (Special Correspondent.) LONDON, November 10. Interest is now focusing on Italy, and on what will become of Rommel’s shattered forces. Once the Allied forces dominate Tunisia — which is regarded as a matter of time—ltaly from north to south, will come within range of the Allied bombers. Signs are not lacking that Italians are apprehensive now that, as Mario Appelius, the Rome radio commentator, has pointed out ,it is “raining on the Italian fortunes.” NAZI OCCUPATION SAID TO HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED. BUT INSUFFICIENT TROOPS AVAILABLE. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) NEW YORK, November 10. The German High Command, fearful of an early Italian collapse, considered occupying the whole of Italy, but concluded that it had insufficient troops available for this step, says the London correspondent of the Chicago “Daily News,” quoting “reliable reports.” Italian broadcasters are now quoting Mr Churchill by exhorting the people to “fight on the beaches and landing grounds, in the streets and on the hills.” Some qualified observers in London expect an Italian collapse within three weeks, says the correspondent. Italy’s increasing fear of invasion is reflected in newspaper and radio comment, a London message states. The Rome radio warned the people that to tremble publicly was a crime against the community and the country, and that it is unquestionable that the African landings are a prelude to a new front against the Axis and firstly against Italy. One commentator said it must be admitted that Italy’s war effort was in a bad way. The “Popolo d’ltalia” says it has become increasingly clear that the Mediterranean is now the central sector of the conflict, and “therefore it is there we must make our maximum effort.” The “Messagero” comments that “the British and Americans hope to find in the French African territories a point weak enough to allow them to get near Europe again and create their famous second front.”