ITALIAN FLEET

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 June 1943, Page 3

ITALIAN FLEET

SAID TO BE READY FOR ACTION CONDITION OF COASTAL DEFENCES. ONLY IMPORTANT BASES FORTIFIED. LONDON, June 11. “The Italian Fleet is at action stations, ready to repulse the enemy’s attack,” said the Under-Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Riccardi, in a broadcast over Rome radio. “Any moment now may be the eve of battle.” he said. In an order to officers and men. Riccardi said: “I call on you sailors to remember that Italy’s future lies in your hands. I am full of confidence. Our future, in spite of the present adverse happenings, will be secure, but you will have to sacrifice your lives if necessary. The struggle will be long and hard.” Riccardi’s announcement followed a heavy barrage of internal propaganda aimed at stimulating the morale of naval officers and men. All reports emanating from Italy indicate that the nation is pinning its hopes on the navy and its ability to counter the Allies in coming amphibious operations.

Italian newspapers are full of glowing tributes to the courage and skill of naval commanders and men. One radio commentator said that the Italian Fleet was so very daring, it was there ready whenever needed. The Berlin correspondent of the Stockholm newspaper “Allehanda” says it is pointed out here that, except for important naval bases, there are no real coastal fortifications in Italy. They are impossible because of the length of the coast. The Italian defence will therefore be mobile with reserves left inside the country and rushed to landing points . The Italians will defend their homeland to the utmost if, as is probable, it is attacked, says the Rome radio. The Italian forces believe that hard and even harder trials are still to come, but will resist them all.

SURRENDER DEMAND rr ENFORCED BY THOUSAND PLANES. ACCORDING TO ITALIAN REPORT. (Received This Day, 10.0 a.m.) LONDON, June 11. A Rome communique stated that about 1,000 .enemy planes hammered Pantelleria before the second demand for surrender was delivered. The Morocco radio says British commandos again raided Lampedusa Is* land.