"NOT SO UNLIKELY"

Evening Star, Issue 24920, 19 July 1943, Page 3

"NOT SO UNLIKELY"

ITALY WAY ACCEPT TERMS DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENTS EXPECTED (Rec. 12.10 p.m.) LONDON, July 18. " Italy's internal situation is deteriorating rapidly under the threat of an Allied invasion," says the 'Sunday Express '- diplomatic correspondent. "ft is believed that Mussolini cannot rely on the stability of the people if the Allies land." The correspondent,says he understands that the Churchill-Roosevelt joint appeal to the -Italians to throw off their Fascist rulers may result in developments in internal conditions in Italy. Information in possession of the British and American Governments suggests that acceptance of the surrender • terms by Italy in order to avoid fighting inside the country is, not so .unlikely it might seem. " Those with a close knowledge of affairs inside Italy—and the Allied Governments are well in« formed—believe that developments of a most'dramatic kind, both military and political, cannot be ruled out. The whole aspect of the war in the Mediterranean area may change beyond recognition in the next four or six weeks," he states. The Rome radio" announced.that Signor Scorza, general secretary of the Fascist Party, will make an important broadcast to the Italian •people to-night. The Rome radio also announced that all shops not connected with the Italian war effort are being closed, all activity in the worldfamous marble quarries is being suspended,, all, road construction and installation work are ceasing instantly wherever not vital to the war effort, and all physically fit male labour between 18 and 45 years is being replaced with .women.