NON-STOP SESSION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 May 1943, Page 4

NON-STOP SESSION

OF ITALIAN CABINET DISCUSSING PROBLEMS OF DEFENCE. MUSSOLINI’S PRESTIGE SINKING. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, May 17. The Italian Cabinet, with King Victor Emmanuel presiding, has been in non-stop session since Friday, says the Algiers radio. The former Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, Marshal Badoglio, who has been called on to take over the supreme command, has participated in the discussions. Mussolini’s prestige is definitely sinking, says the radio. The idea of a separate peace, which America is said to 'have suggested, is making ever greater progress in Rome. It is stated in London that there is no evidence to suggest that the Germans are withdrawing any troops they may have in Italy. There have never been any actual German Army formations in Italy, although a few units, which probably were meant to reinforce the German, forces in Tunisia, are still there. Luftwaffe formations arc operating from Italian territory, particularly Sicily. Reports received in Madrid from Rome state that Italy is massing troops to defend her coasts. > Calling for immediate peace with the Allies and urging the people to aid invading troops, the secret Italian radio, “Free Milan,” says: “We know liow deep-rooted discontent is in Italy. We are all approaching an upheaval which will result in the overthrow of Fascism. The soldiers will overthrow Fascism. They are just as discontented as you. The enemy is powerful, but we can prove to him our true belief in justice if we lend him a helping hand on the day he appears on our shores.” The “Corricra Della Sera,” in a leading article, warns Italians that the Allies undoubtedly are determined to attempt an invasion of Italy. The paper admits Allied air superiority, but claims that Italian Headquarters are convinced that an invasion is an impossible undertaking. Marshal Messe has arrived in Britain by plane, accompanied by other highranking Italian prisoners. The final list of generals captured in Tunisia includes the names of sixteen Germans and ten Italians. The names of six more generals not previously announced are: — German: Major-Generals Koechy and Radinger. Italian: General Belletti and Divisional Generals Orlandi, Berrade and Celich.