ITALIAN FLEET RECALLED

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21206, 31 August 1940, Page 6

ITALIAN FLEET RECALLED

Mussolini’s wholesome fear of the British Mediterranean Fleet is one of the most cheering aspects of that theatre of war. It had been supposed that the avoidance of a trial of strength between the two fleets might have been purely a strategic policy on the part of Italy, but there is now reliable evidence that Mussolini is convinced that his strength is inferior and that a major clash would lead to a serious loss of prestige. According to a well-known diplomatic correspondent, the Italian Navy was put to a striking test when the British Fleet bombarded Bardia and Fort Capuzzo. It was in this town and fort that Italy had been concentrating vast quantities of war, materials, presumably in readiness for an invasion of Egypt. British warships stood off the coast and pounded the fort and the military stores to dust. Italy was presented with the double incentive of saving this valuable war material and breaking the stranglehold of the British Fleet. The Italian Navy apparently decided to make an attack on the British ships in an endeavour to save a desperate situation. Some ships actually set out from their bases, but Mussolini countermanded the Italian Admiralty’s orders and recalled the fleet. Thus the Italian Navy had to lie idly at its base while the British ships completed their work of destruction and seriously impaired Italy’s ability to strike a blow at Egypt. Italy.has kept its fleet to fight another day, but that sense of inferiority must be terribly depressing to the Italian people. But they dare not risk a naval disaster. Elsewhere the British Navy has demonstrated its deadly striking power, and Mussolini certainly does not want to try conclusions with it. All of Italy’s North African possessions are at stake, and Mussolini must conserve whatever sea power he commands in an endeavour to maintain communications. The African colonies are dependent on sea transport for supplies and military equipment, which are still apparently being taken furtively across the Mediterranean in small quantities. For this work Italy is compelled to conserve her naval forces, which therefore are unable to interfere with the British Fleet on its selected important occasions.