ITALY’S STRAITS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 43, 30 November 1940, Page 6

ITALY’S STRAITS

FACING SHORTAGE OF FOOD.

POORER CLASSES SUFFERING.

MALNUTRITION EVIDENT

(United Press Association —Copyright.) (Received This Day A 1.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, November 29.

The Department of Agriculture reports that the British blockade of the Mediterranean is so effective that Italy faces the winter deprived of over SO per cent of her imports, including foodstuffs of agricultural raAV materials. Many of the poorer classes are suffering from malnutrition. Prices increased by ‘JO per cent. The lack of fats, ojls and meats, in Avliicli the country is most deficient, is likely to increase. Meat, fresh pastry and ice cream are at present permitted three times a Aveek. The monthly ration of olive oil, —the major item of diet—is restricted to one pint, and that of butter, lard or suet to three-quarters of a pound. The ration of sugar has been reduced. Cotton is expected to be exhausted Avithin a few Aveeks. The effects of the shortage of food is most acute in southern Italy.

AN ITALIAN COMMUNIQUE.

COUNTER-ATTACKS ON GREEKS

BOMBING OF 1 BRITISH WARSHIP

(Received 1 This'Day, 11.20 a.m.)

LONDON, November 29

The Italian’communique states that tli roe divisions of the 11th Army coun-tered-attacked on the Greek front, crushing the enemy’s attempt at infiltration. About 300 Italian planes bombed enemy communications, especially in the Ersek Sopiki zone.

Naval forces bombarded the base at Corfu, hitting shore batteries, fortifications, barracks, Avireless station and observation posts. The air force attacked an enemy naval, squadron -off Malta. It hit aMg enemy Avar \ r cssel.

Official quarters in Rome deny the fall of Argyrokastron, but admit heavy fighting.