APPEAL TO THE NAVY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 138, 12 June 1943, Page 5

APPEAL TO THE NAVY

ITALIAN MINISTER

LONDON, June 11. "The Italian fleet is at action stations, ready to repulse the enemy's attack," said the Under-Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Riccardi, in a broadcast over Rome radio. "Any moment now may be the eve of battle," he said. In an order to officers and men, Admiral Riccardi said: "I call on you sailors to remember that Italy's future lies in your hands. I am full of confidence. Our future, in spite of the present adverse happenings, will._be secure, but you will have to sacrifice your lives if necessary. The struggle will be long and hard." Admiral Riccardi's announcement followed a heavy barrage of internal propaganda aimed at stimulating the morale of naval officers and men. All reports emanating from Italy indicate that the nation is pinning its hopes on the navy and its ability to counter the Allies in coming amphibious operations. . The Berlin correspondent of the Stockholm newspaper "Allenanda says: "It is pointed out here that, except for important naval bases, there are no real coastal fortifications in Italy. They are impossible because of the length of the coast. The Italian defence will therefore be mobile, with reserves left inside the country and rushed to landing points." The Italians will defend their homeland to the utmost if, as is Probable, it is attacked, says Rome radio. The Italian forces believe that hard and even harder trials are still to come, but will resist them all.