“SOLEMN & SEVERE”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 June 1943, Page 4

“SOLEMN & SEVERE”

“CELEBRATIONS” IN ITALY COUNTRY ON THE BRINK OF PRECIPICE. COLD COMFORT FROM BERLIN & TOKIO. IBy Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, June 10. On the third anniversary of Italy’s entry into the war, which is also being celebrated as Navy Day, the Rome radio was preparing the nation for the loss of its smaller Mediterranean islands. In the same sentence in which he referred to Lampedusa and Pantelleria, an announcer recalled the heroic defence of Jarabub and Zaghouan, at both of which places the Italians surrendered. The “Daily Telegraph” points out that the reference in the broadcast to a brave and stoic resistance was similar to that used by the Axis on other occasions when the situation of its forces had become desperate.

The Rome radio announced that the Navy Day celebrations were held in a solemn and severe atmosphere. The King made public appearances and distributed decorations.

Commenting on the celebrations, the Berlin “Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung” says: “Italy stands today at the very centre of the defensive battle for Europe against the British and Americans. She offers the aspect of a nation in battle, to which the war has come closer and closer.”

The Japanese Premier, General Tojo, in a message to Italy, said: “We have now entered a decisive stage, where we in the east and west ’must annihilate the enemy on an extensive and lofty scale. It goes without saying that the present war is the largest in history. Therefore it is natural that our difficulties must be unprecedented.”

“Mussolini has brought Italy to the brink of a precipice,” says the Moscow “Pravda.” “The blows against Sicily and Sardinia are so strong that Italy is confronted with the necessity of transferring planes to her northern aerodromes.”