INVASION JITTERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 May 1943, Page 4

INVASION JITTERS

BECOMING MORE SERIOUS IN EUROPE STRUCTURE OF FASCISM CRACKING. UNCONVINCING ENEMY DISCLAIMERS. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.35 p.m.) LONDON, May 2G. “The whole structure of Fascism is bending and cracking under the overwhelming pressure of Allied air assaults,” says Reuter’s diplomatic correspondent, “but there are no leaders to give expression and direction to the despair of the masses and their profound reaction to the Fascist regime. However, what is possible is that public feeling, driven to extremes of panic by thci severity of Allied raids, may get completely out of control and upset all civil authority. “The eagerness with which both the Rome and Berlin radios disclaim this possibility, constant pep talks, the tightening of party discipline, and absolutely exaggerated reports of German aii- attacks on Britain, all go to show that they fear this almost as much as invasion.

“An immediate response from Italy to Mr Churchill’s advice to overthrow the Fascists and sue for peace is not likely. There can be little doubt that a great majority of Italians are not only war-weary, but have abandoned all hope of any issue except defeat and disaster.”

The Morocco radio says neutral circles report that a decree was signed yesterday authorising the evacuation of Rome in case of necessity. A further indication of Axis invasion jitters was given by the Paris radio, which predicted that the Allies would make a co-ordinated attack in the east and west this summer. The Allies had massed a million and a half men in Britain, and the same number in North Africa, said the radio. They also had three armies in the Middle East.

The growing apprehension of Axis authorities in the Balkans, particularly in Crete and Bulgaria, is shown in reports reaching Cairo. The islanders of Crete are threatened with ruthless extermination if they attempt to assist an Allied invasion.

According to the Rome radio, the Italian Minister of Corporations has ordered all workers and employers to end labour disputes immediately. This is the first disclosure that there have been labour troubles in Italy, says Reuter’s correspondent.

BIG ALLIED CONVOY PASSAGE THROUGH STRAITS OF GIBRALTAR. REPORTED BY BERLIN RADIO. (Received This Day. 11.30 a.rn.) LONDON, May 26. The Berlin radio reports that a large Allied convoy, including a 50,000-ton Cunarder, passed through the Straits of Gibraltar today, carrying troops and war materials into the Mediterranean.