ITALY AND THE WAR

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23001, 22 April 1940, Page 9

ITALY AND THE WAR

REACTION TO SPEECH BY MR CROSS “TENSE AND HOSTILE” PRESS (Received April 21, 9 p.m.) LONDON, April 20. The first reference of the Italian press to the speech delivered by the Minister for Economic Warfare (Mr R. H. Cross), in which he declared that if Italy desired to. be treated as a neutral she must behave as a neutral, is tense and hostile. Reuter’s states that the tone suggests direct incitement to enter the war. . , The "Popolo dTtalia” states: “Signor Mussolini may choose the day and manner of intervention. Neutrality is unsatisfactory to the people if it forces Italy to accept the role of a ‘big little Power.’ Italian ships are forbidden to sail between the Italian ports of Massawa and Trieste without encountering the vexatious blockade, which was insulting to Italian pride and independence.” Dr. Gayda claims that the Italian newspapers are only serving the cause of truth by publishing such news. , , . The official Italian denial that the German military mission’s arrival is anything more than a routine measure is accepted with some reserve hr the British ..newspapers. Both “The Times” and the “Daily Telegraph”

state that Germany would like to involve Italy if a way could be found.

Speaking at a Labour meeting, Mr Hugh Dalton (the Labour politician) said: “There Is uncertainty as to Italy’s intentions, and it is our duty to speak quite clearly. Our war is against Hitler and his barbarian hordes. We neither desire nor seek any other enemy. But we shall not run away from any allies whom Hitler may collect. “We are mentally prepared for all’ possibilities. In the North Sea wo have destroyed most of Hitler’s fleet, and the British and French sea power can nov) be strongly reinforced in any other. sea. A strong army stands in Syria and the adjoining lands. v - “I myself love Italy, and have undying memories of fighting side by side with brave Italian soldiers in the last war. As comrades in arms we retreated together and advanced together and conquered together. For me and countless other Englishmen It would be a much sadder thing to be at war with Italy than at war with -Germany* May it not come, but if it comes we shall face it without fear and with no flicker of hesitation.”