STILL ALLIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 August 1943, Page 4

STILL ALLIES

GERMANY AND ITALY

ACCORDING TO OFFICIAL DECLARATIONS.

ATTEMPTS TO LENGTHEN OUT

RESISTANCE

(By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.45 p.m.) LONDON, August 10.

Conversations between Germany and Italy are proceeding. The German overseas radio, in announcing this, added: “The German viewpoint regarding the Treaty of Alliance is unchanged. This unchanged attitude must be interpreted as a significant symptom. Wilhelmstrasse observers state that the' German-Italian alliance from the outset bore a special aspect in consequence of the personal friendship of the Fuehrer and the Duce and the harmony between National Socialist and Fascist ideals. Italy and Germany also have this in common —the Allies are trying to destroy both as nations. The latest events in Italy have shown how false was the claim that the Allies were fighting against Fascism and against National Socialism. The common enemy of Italy and Germany seeks to destroy the national life of both countries.” The Italian News Agency today stated: “It is pointed out in responsible Italian circles that nobody wants to deny that the Italian people, after freeing themselves of the fetters which for. twenty years hampered their movements, want peace, because peace moans an end to the horrors and sacrifices of war. The Italian people want peace just as all other peoples suffering from war. In that sense it is evident that the Italian people, who for three years have obeyed, fought and suffered, should await the dawn of peace. But what sort of peace? The United Nations pretended to act in accordance with two fundamental principles: (1) They had no territorial aspirations. (2) They merely wished to restore the liberty of the oppressed Italian people. This second aim was fully achieved on July 25, when we regained the freedom which the Allies were anxious to present to us. But this liberty docs not seem to satisfy them. It does hot seem to serve their only one purpose—unconditional surrender. As far as we are concerned it is not a question of temporising, as we have been accused of doing. In view of the unconditional surrender demands and the bombings of Naples, Milan, Turin and Genoa, the Italian people are sceptical in face of every would-be promise from the enemy.” Reuter’s correspondent on the Italian frontier says suggestions that the Badoglio Government is about to make a peace offer spread throughout Milan after the latest R.A.F. raid.

ACUTE DIVISIONS MANIFEST IN ITALY. OFFICIAL AND OTHER VIEWS. (Received This Day, 12.50 p.m.) LONDON. August 10. Marshal Badoglio is stated to be - waiting only for the complete withdrawal of Italian troops from the Balkans and France, and of Italian workers from Germany before making a peace offer and resigning. Government agents attempted to appease crowds at Milan by spreading reports that a revolt against the Government would give the Germans an excuse to intervene. Tne Rome radio is now emphasising the Communist peril. The radio’s military commentator declared: “The powerful Russian' offensive is threatening our continent. The Russian successes are undoubtedly great.” One argument extensively quoted is that the bombing of Italian cities sets up a grave danger of subversive outbreaks, wnich it would be impossible to quell. The Algiers radio quotes the “Libera Stampa” for the statement that the Milan authorities have ordered the evacuation of all civilians not employed on important war work. The Rome radio announced that Senator Umberto Ricci has replaced Signor Forniciari as Minister for Home Affairs.

Reuter’s correspondent at Zurich says the appointment of Senator Ricci is regarded as a concession to the public demand for freedom, which continues to form the pivot of political considerations. “There is no doubt that the tension in Italy has reached breaking point.” the correspondent adds. “The Badoglio Government produced notning constructive for a solution of national problems, and the nation is losing patience. A meaningless Cabinet change is unlikely to impress public opinion, wn.vxi demands action instead of promises.”

Tne Berne correspondent of the “New York Times” states that the Germans have concluded the talks at Verona, and are satisfied with the Italian assurances that they will continue to fight. Badcglio, it is reported, decided that this was the only course which would not jeopardise the House of Savoy or Italian prestige; A semi-official Italian statement explained that the atlernative of unconditional surrender barred any other solution. The statement said: “The war is continuing until a more intelligent appreciation of the Italian situation dispels preconceived ideas on diplomatic and military developments inconsistent with the destiny of our nation.”

“'ine Times” points out that Badoglio cannot exoect to alter the position before the Allies inflict a resoundingdefeat on the Italian army or a revolutionary Government seizes the 'initiative and imposes the peace for which the public is clamouring. According to a message received in New York from the Italian underground movement, Italy has been in the throes of a general strike during the past three days.