MESSAGE TO MR CHURCHILL

Evening Star, Issue 25113, 1 March 1944, Page 5

MESSAGE TO MR CHURCHILL

STRIKE NOT AGAINST WAR EFFORT (Rec. 11.5 a.im.) LONDON, Feb. 29. The six political parites of Free Italy which called a ,ten-minute strike telgraphed Mr Churchill: "The permanent excutive Junta of liberated Italy assures you that, contrary to the information you received, the Italian people and armed forces will contribute to the common cause a, much more important war effort than at present as soon as Italy is accorded the liberty which is the purpose of the war." The spokesman for three Left-wing parties—Communist, Socialist, Action—announced that the Italian Confederation of Labour promised support to the Btrike, which will be extended to shopworkers, as well as to factory workers. The spokesman added that the parties feared that the Badoglio Government might employ members of the ex-Fascist Militia against the strikers, who were pledged not to engage in violence. However, it was expected. that the Allied authorities would display a tolerant understanding since the demonstration was not directed against them or against the war effort. • It is reported that a split has already occurred within the Junta owing to the fact .that the Right wing parties regard the strike as too hazardous.