EXPECTED SHORTLY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 246, 28 July 1943, Page 4

EXPECTED SHORTLY.

PEACE OVERTURES FROM ITALY. VIEW HELD IN LONDON. . ... -.-.. a . w . (Roc. 12.55 p.m.) LONDON, July 27. General Dwight Eisenhower (Allied Commander-in-Chicf). has been given full powers to deal with the now Italian Government or any which might replace it should propitious circumstances arise, declares the diplomatic correspondent of tfic “Daily Mail.” The Allied terms are complete and uncompromising. General Eisenhower knows them in detail. He will act with regard to military necessity and will act ati all times in conjunction with Mr Macmillan and Mr Murphy, who arc the British and American political .representatives respectively, if Marshal Eadoglio is anxious for immediate discussions. It is clear from Mr Churchill’s speech that the British and American Governments are prepared to listen. The “Daily Telegraph” says that diplomatic-circles will not be surprised if the first official peace overtures from Italy are made within 48 hours, or at least in tho next few days. The overtures arc more likely to come through Switzerland than through the Vatican. That overtures have not already boon made is believed 1o he due to Marshal Badoglio’s efforts to prevent at all costs Italy becoming an Allied-German battleground. [Marshal Badoglio is reported to have been constantly in ‘ conference with General Mackonsen and a number of Nazi experts in attempts to solve her difficu Ities. The diplomatic correspondent of “The Times” says that some observers in London suggest that Marshal Badoglio is giving the Germans a chance to withdraw unscathed from Italy before lie approaches the Allies. On the other hand, Reuter’s correspondent inside Europe reports that strong forces of Germans are pouring across the Brenner Pass into Italy, but this is not confirmed.