ITALIAN ATTITUDE

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 November 1939, Page 7

ITALIAN ATTITUDE

PRESS DEFINES POLICY.

[BY CABLE —PRESS ABSN. —COPYBIGHT.]

ROME, November 6.

Italian newspapers warn the world not to think that becatlse Italy is standing outside the European fray she is not sufficiently prepared to face a supreme test. Italy, it is emphasised, is to-day not involved, first, because she chooses not to be tied to anybody’s apron-strings; and second, because she is resolved to fight only in her own interests, and in the higher interest of a sounder European system, in which she may secure for herself a position more consonant with her effective strength. It is added that if others dare not reveal their own objectives, Fascist Italy is conscious of her own aims, and is ready to realise them against anybody.

Signor Mussolini conferred for some time with members of the army-staff and the new Chief of the Staff Corps (Marshal Graziani). He also received Prince Umberto and the newly-appoint-ed Under-secretary for War.

PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES

LONDON, November 6.

It. is understood that Signor Mussolini has had 500 subalterns added to the regular forces from the reserves, and also that 1500 non-commissioned officers from among the veterans of the Abyssinian and Spanish campaigns are to be maintained in the forces. Signor Mussolini considers that the time has now come when Italy must be prepared for emergencies, and that these may arise either in the Balkans 01 in the Mediterranean. Marshal Badoglio, though he has reached the retiring age, has not been allowed to relinquish his military

duties. He is to remain as Chief of the General Staff. The Associated Press of .America’s Rome representative states that Signor Mussolini has added 3000 lieutenants and non-coms, to the new troop units.

LOSSES IN EAST AFRICA.

ROME, March 6.

The losses in Italian East Africa from January 1, 1935, to October 10, 1939, were 4991 men.