ITALIANS AS ALLIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 September 1943, Page 3

ITALIANS AS ALLIES

LOOKED AT ASKANCE BY ALLIED TROOPS FRANK TALK IN “EIGHTH ARMY NEWS." GREETINGS FROM BADOGLIO. Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) / LONDON, September 27. The first issue of the “Eighth Army s News” to oe published on the Italian mainland sharply reminds the Italians that they are defeated enemies. “Italy has surrendered unconditionally,” it says, “but what do we find? Our soldier wishing to change his money finds it difficult, if not impossible. Italians quibble about the rate of 400 lire to £l. Before Italy was our ally the 'army could commandeer typewriters, printing presses, and paper. Now we have to be more careful, and in some cases pay for these things. “Many Italians are under the impression that we are going to spare the country the just retribution that a just victor normally demands. With all due sympathy for Italian sufferings under their self-chosen friends, we should set their minds straight on this. The Italians who sincerely cheer us today also cheered Signor Mussolini. Now they find that they, backed the wrong horse. Many of our comrades were killed, by Italians, and therefore many soldiers bristle at the idea of having the Italians as allies.” The same issue carried greetings from Marshal Badoglio, who wrote: “In the common struggle which awaits us the Italian soldiers will march side by side with their British comrades against the German oppressors for the liberation of Italian soil and for final victory.” ’ A correspondent in southern Italy of the Associated Press of Great Britain says that the British and American troops generally show considerable coldness to Italy’s conception that she is now an ally. Most of the troops outspokenly declare that they do not want the Italians as allies.

The correspondent adds: “King Victor, Crown Prince Umberto, Marshal Badoglio, and members of the Government are in a south Italian town which in effect is the provisional capital.

Italian soldiers are in the town and armed Italian sentries guard all vital points. Italian troops man the defences. A British officer in this town told me, We are getting practically everything we ask for. About 70 per cent of the Italian officers are co-operating W’ith us.’ ”