SYSTEMIC LOOTING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 November 1943, Page 3

SYSTEMIC LOOTING

GERMANS PLUNDERING ROME WAREHOUSES & FACTORIES STRIPPED. FOOD SITUATION DESPERATE. LONDON, October 30. The Germans are systematically looting Rome, according to an eyewitness who escaped from the city five days ago, says the Algiers correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain; The informant said that warehouses and factories are being stripped of everything of value. Plans are under way to destroy the tramway system and move out trams and buses as the Germans did in Naples. The food situation in the capital is desperate. Rome’s police force will be increased “in view of the fact that Rome will officially be declared an open city,” stated the German news agency, which added that 100,000 Italian workers will shortly be recruited for work, in Gerniany. ' The Vatican radio, quoting the “Osi £ servatore Romano,” said: “In order to bnd unfounded rumours, specially abroad, regarding the conduct of German troops toward the Vatican City, the German Ambassador to the Holy See, on behalf of the Reich Government, has declared that Germany, according to her policy, is so far respecting the officers and integrity of Rdman Curia as well as the Vatican City’s sovereign rights and integrity and is resolved to respect them in the future. The Holy See, in acknowledging that German troops have respected the Roman, Curia and the Vatican City, has taken note of this assurance.” SEIZED BY FASCISTS KING’S PRIVATE FORTUNE. LONDON, October 30. The German news' agency says that the Fascist Council has decided to confiscate King Victor’s private fortune, amounting to £11,000,000. The House of Savoy is one of the richest royal houses in the world.