UNREST IN ITALY

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 July 1945, Page 4

UNREST IN ITALY

STRIKES AND DISTURBANCES "LONDON, July 20. “The political strikes and disturbances staged last week in many oi the chief cities of northern Italy were partly a protest against the Allied occupation authorities’ supposed tendency to favour capitalist interests, says Reuter’s correspondent m Rome. “The disturbances occurred a flamst a background of .economic deadlock, partly resulting from enforced idleness of a majority of workers through lack of fuel and raw materials. Social legislation compels idle industries to maintain a full staff at three-quarters of their normal salary. This is paid from State subsidies. “A majority of factory owners are in hiding or imprisoned, and the management has passed into the hands of commissioners, who are often assisted by workers’ factory councils. These arrangements are subject to constant negotiation between the Allied Military Government and the various half-recognised committees of national liberation. , * “General unrest and friction short of a general strike, were shown in Venice yesterday, arising from the Allied nomination of a purge commission superseding those nominated by the various local liberation committees. Similar reasons are causing other local strikes and unrest.” GAOL OUTBREAK LONDON, July 21. A message from Rome stated: More than 1000 criminal prisoners have attempted to make their escape from the Regina Coeli Prison. They did so in riots lasting for many.hours. The attempt was thwarted by hundreds of policemen, who were reinforced by Carabinieri with armoured cars. The rioters overpowered the guards, seized their keys, and reacheci the door of the prison. There they were halted by additional guards and soldiers. The prison is now reported to be quiet. It is completely surrounded by police ' LATER.

The prisoners’ revolt in the antiquated Regina Coeli gaol, Rome, which'Started yesterday, was not suppressed later to-day, reports Reuter s Rome correspondent. More than 2000 prisoners have broken into the corridors, but they are kept under control by the Italian forces. Authorities fear the revolt may take a more violent turn to-night. ROOF~ON~ FIRE (Rec. 1.55 p.m.) ROME, July 22. Prisoners, who have been revolting for 24 hours, to-night set fire to the roof of Regina Coeli gaol. Intermittent firing could be heard as the police and carbinieri tried to prevent 2400 criminal political prisoners breaking out. The Commandant stated he had appealed to the Allies for help, but it was refused on the ground that the mutiny was purely a domestic affair. ART TREASURES. LONDON, July 22. Art treasures valued at £ 100,000,000, in 13 railway trucks, heavily guarded by military police, have arrived in Florence to be returned to the galleries from which the Germans looted them, says an Associated Press correspondent. The treasures include Donatello’s “St. George,” Michelangelo’s “Bacchus,” and Raphael’s “Donna Belata.” Most of the pictures were stolen from the Uffizi and Pitti Palace galleries. N.Z’ERS’. LEAVE CENTRE. [Official. War Correspondent, N.Z.E.F.] TRIESTE, July 21. Rock climbing, skiing and strenuous walks through beautiful mountain country are among the attractions to be enjoyed at what has been described by many New Zealanders as the finest leave camp the Division has ever had. Situated near the village of Madonna di Campiglio, in the Brenta group of Southern Dolomites, the leave centre has now been in operation for some time, and many of our troops, including some experienced mountaineers, have been able to spend a week under conditions which would normally be available only to wealthv tourists. The centre, which is a day’s journey from Trieste, is picturesquely situated among fir clad mountains. The soldiers are accommodated in

leading hotels which are run by the New Zealand Y.M.C.A. It is an hour and a half walk up the steep mountain tracks to the Tucket hut, named after an English mountaineer who also has a peak in the Southern Alps, New Zealand, named after him. Arrived at the hut, the troops may please themselves just how easy or strenuous they wish to make their holiday, and three expert Italian mountain guides, who know the region thoroughly are there to help them make the most of their time. For those who are skilled, and for' many who are not, skiing is the big attraction and there are slopes of all kinds to suit all grades of skiers from beginners to experts. The big Summer attraction in this 7000 foot playground, however, is rock climbing on a great variety of ascents, which are carefully graded by guides so that all climbers may enjoy themselves, whether they are novices or experienced mountaineers. Accommodation at the hilt is under the care of the YMCA but arrangements for climbing ’and skiing are conducted by the Army and all equipment used was annropriately enough cantured from the Germans. Added to all those is the magnificent mountain scenery.