ITALY PREPARES

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23949, 17 May 1943, Page 5

ITALY PREPARES

Measures Against Invasion

SENATE TOLD OF DANGERS (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 10.30 p.m.) LONDON,' May 15. The Italian Senate met for six hours yesterday to hear of measures taken to protect Italy’s sacred soil against foreign invasion. The Secretary of the Navy (Riccardi) emphasised the precarious state of Italy’s land communications in the event of invasion, and warned that though what was left of the Italian Fleet could not prevent a British and American invasion, it would do its utmost to interfere with any such attempt. The naval struggle for possession of North Africa had been a continuous struggle against an enemy superior in number, especially in his great naval and air reserves, said Riccardi. The fight for Tunisia had been particularly hard. It had been carried on* within a very confined space for six months, during which the enemy had employed not only cruisers, destroyers, motor torpedo-boats, fast minelayers, and submarines, but above all, aeroplanes, and still more aeroplanes. Supplies could not always be shipped from Marsala to Cape Bon. but had often to be taken from other ports, involving a far longer crossing. Particularly dangerous was the last part of the shipping route, through the heavily mined Sicilian Straits, where convoys were constantly exposed to attack. The Italian Air Secretary (Fougier) announced that 18,500 airmen had been lost in the African campaign. Italy had lately been placed at a great disadvantage in not being able to turn out such a variety of new aeroplanes as her enemies. “The enemy will certainly intensify his air offensive in the hope of breaking the resistance of Italy,” he said. “He will not abstain from terror raids against civilians. True to tradition, the Italian Air Force will do everything to meet the enemy and repulse him wherever he attacks. “The Italian Air Force since the outbreak of war has inflicted the following losses on the Allies at sea:— Sunk, 145 merchantmen totalling more than 1,000,000 tons, and 67 warships; destroyed in the air 2343 aeroplanes, including 1944 in combat; probably destroyed in the air 1000 aeroplanes.” Transport of Troops The Italian Secretary for War, General Sorice. said that precautions had been taken for the rapid transport of troops to points where the enemy might land. A special mobile corps was being formed. All vulnerable areas were being reinforced, including the coast of Montenegro, Dalmatia, and Jugoslavia. In the event of a successful enemy landing, a possibility that could not be overlooked, he said, special rationing and supply plans had already been worked out. New disciplinary measures were shortly being taken to strengthen the home front. Legislation had also been prepared for putting certain areas under military jurisdiction. The population, though somewhat anxious, firmly believed in final victory and was determined to defend Italian soil. General Sorice added that 10 Italian divisions had been lost in North Africa during the Tumsian campaign. Six generals and 23 colonels had been taken prisoner. The “Deutsche Diplomatische Korrespon'denz,” the German Foreign Office official journal, declares that the German Army will defend every inch of Italian soil, just as if it were that of their own country. “The German and Italian brotherhood in arms will stand its ultimate and supreme test, wherever the enemy attacks,” says the journal. It is reported from Berne that Italy is feverishly preparing against the threat of invasion. The Italian Minister of Education has ordered the closing of all schools in the nation by May 22, in order to assist civilian evacuation and liberate 18 and 19-year-old Italians who have so far been exempt from military service. Italian troop trains are reported to be rushing to the Calabrian peninsula. Marshal Badoglio returned from a flying tour of inspection of defences, and reported to the King and to military experts.

GENERAL GIRAUD IN BIZERTE

(Hoc. 11 p.m.) LONDON May 15 When General Giraud entered Bizerte on Friday morning, he was greeted by General le Clerc and representatives of the Allies. General Giraud, addressing his own officials, said: “I know what you went through. It may comfort you to know that on Thursday on the Zaghouan front I saw 50,000 Italian and German prisoners, mostly Germans, file past as they surrendered to the French 10th Corps. “The vanquished enemy and the general delight of the French gave me a vivid impression of our victory. The French fought magnificently, since they fought without modern equipment. Last Sunday I saw in Algiers a magnificent parade of the French troops equipped with American material. Our-Allies have fulfilled their promise. We will fulfil ours, which is to deliver France.” Referring to the taking of his daughter and children as hostages by the Germans. General Giraud said: “This cowardly act would prove—if there were any need—a further reason for fighting. I know that if Germany is victorious we would all be enslaved for a century. I have not the soul of a slave. Let us constantly remember this. Let us not make the same mistakes as in the past.” A correspondent reports that when General Giraud visited Tunis he learned that his daughter and his two grandchildren, aged three and four, had been removed to Germ?ny as hostages. They were living in Tunis when the Germans landed in November, and they have since been kept under close observation. A few weeks ago they were taken from their home, and they are believed to have been transported to Germany by air. General Giraud’s son-in-iaw went with the general in the expectation of meeting his wife and children, and not until they arrived did they learn the truth.

POLITICAL PRISONERS IN AFRICA

DECREE FOR RELEASE EXPECTED (Hec. 9 p.m.) LONDON. May 15. The Algiers radio says that General Giraud will shortly sign a decree releasing all political prisoners in North Africa, numbering about 5000.

VICTORY IN NORTH AFRICA

KING’S MESSAGE TO MR CHURCHILL

LONDON, May 14. The King has sent a message to Mr Churchill expressing his gratification on the North African victory. He said that a glorious campaign had been successfully concluded, and that its successful prosecution had been due to the unflinching determination of Mr Churchill. “With the completion of the African camoaign, this country and all the United Nations owe a debt to you,” said the King.