"TO THE LAST MAN"

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 91, 14 October 1943, Page 5

"TO THE LAST MAN"

BADOGLIO'S CALL

LONDON, 'October 13. The Italian declaration of war against Germany was made by Marshal Badoglio in a broadcast from the radio station at Bari. At the same, time his proclamation was broadcast in English by the United Nations radio and by radio France in Algiers. The Eng- *' lish text was followed by translations in Italian, German, and French. In London, and simultaneously in 1 Moscow and Washington, a statement has been issued saying that the Governments of Great ■ Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union accept the active co-operation of the Kalian nation and its armed forces, as a cobelliserent in the war against Germany. The three Governments acknowledge the Italian Governments pledge that after the Germans have been driven out of Italy the people will be free to decide on the Government they want. . ' The Allied statement emphasises that the new relationship between Italy and the Governments of the United Nations cannot, of itself, affect the surrender terms recently signed by Italy. These retain their full force, and can only be adjusted by agreement between the Allied Governments in the light of the assistance Italy may be able to afford to the cause of the United Nations. In his proclamation, Marshal Badoglio reminded the Italians that when their country surrendered he ordered J Italian troops to remain prepared to repel any acts of violence directed at them, from whatever source ,they might come. German troops, with synchronised action which clearly revealed that some previous orders were given from high authority, compelled some Italian units to disarm, and in many cases they proceeded to a decisive- attack against Italian troops. But German arrogance and ferocity; did not - stop there. Where the ferocity of the w Qnemy surpassed every limit of human imagination was at Naples. The heroic people of that city had strongly cooperated with the Anglo-American

troops in putting the Germans to flight.

"Italians," Marshal Badoglio said, "there will not be peace in Italy as long as a single German remains on our soil. Shoulder to shoulder we must march with our friends of the United States, of Great Britain, of Russia, !and of ail the United Nations. Whereever Italian troops may be, in the Balkans, Yugoslavia, Albania, and in Greece, they have witnessed similar acts of aggression and cruelty, and they must fight against the Germans to the last man." The proclamation and a statement which Marshal Badoglio gave later to the Press reaffirmed that his Government would be broadened so as to make it thoroughly democratic. Marshal Badoglio sent a telegram to General Eisenhower saying: "By this declaration all ties with the. dreadful past are broken, and my Government will be proud to march with you toahe inevitable victory." The German news agency broke its news session tonight to quote what it called "the British news service." It claimed that Italy's action had been expected, and that it did not make any difference.