ITALIAN DISSENSIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 December 1940, Page 7

ITALIAN DISSENSIONS

WHY BADOGLIO RESIGNED • GERMAN AID OPPOSED I [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] LONDON, December 8. s The diplomatic correspondent of the ■ “Daily Telegraph” says there is reason to believe that the question of Ger1 man stiffening of Italian troops produced the breach between Signor Mussolini and Marshal Badoglio, who last week resigned from the . post of Chief of the Italian General Staff. Marshal Badoglio did not wish Herr Hitler to use the failure of the ill-conceived Greek campaign to secure a foothold in the Italian Army, which might end its independent existence. Signor Mussolini is unwilling to withdraw the Italian Army further ! for complete ..reorganisation during the Winter, anjl appears to be attempting to compromise by using Fascist militia battalions as shock troops in the hope of arresting the retreat. This is likely to lead to further ill-feeling between the regulars and the militia. The Cairo correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” learns from wellinformed quarters that Marshal Graziani, the Italian Commander-in-Chief in Libya, asked to be relieved of his command some days ago, but his I request was refused. The formidable list of resignations of senior Italian army and navy offi- ! cers has aroused comment throughout the world. The loss of these soldiers and sailors is taken as a sign of serious professional discontent with Signor Mussolini’s plans for the Balkans. A Turkish newspaper suggests that Marshal Badoglio’s resignation followed categorical demands from. Signor Mussolini for brilliant victories in ’Greece to restore Italy’s prestige. These the Marshal was unable' to give. Signor Mussolini then sought another commander who would do anything he would ask. The Soviet newspapers are particularly outspoken, and they emphasise that the Royal Navy has isolated the Dodecanese Islands. They also point out the difficulties to be faced by the Italians in transporting defeated troops from Albania.

OFFICIAL CLAIM. ROME, December 9. A special communique states that Italy knew when she entered the war that difficult moments were ahead. Those who find dangerous symptoms in lack of harmony and possible delays and catastrophes in the High Command changes are committing mistakes, -as during the Abyssinian war. On the contrary, the changes willcelerate the war machine to swifter and more efficient rhythm.

ITALIAN PEOPLE AGAINST WAR. RUGBY, December 8. In a survey of Italy’s general strategic position as a result of Greece’s splendid resistance and thrust —with a concomitant weakening of the enemy morale—the Sunday newspaper the “Observer” takes an opportunity to underline the undoubted fact- of the lack of enthusiasm for the war of the majority of the Italian people.. “They know we had no quarrel with them,” it says. “This insane stiuggle to overthrow the British Empire was forced on them and an iron answer on us. A large majority had no heart m the war. Their good instinct told them it could only make them either victims of a Nazi defeat or jackals of a Nazi success. When it is made plaj n to them that their continuance in the war means certain misery and ruin, they will revolt against it and leave it. Nothing Fascism can do will prevent it if we know how to handle our side of the business.”

PLANE CRASH VICTIM. ROME, December 9. The Italian Official News .Agency stated that General Pellegrini s death has robbed Italian aviation of one of its best organisers and pilots. SUCCESSOR APPOINTED. (Recd. Dec. 10, 11.45 a.m.). \ LONDON, December 9. The German radio stated that General Camillio Grotti has been appointed chief of the Italian Armistice Commission, in succession to General Pinto.