MORALE SHAKEN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20619, 21 November 1941, Page 5

MORALE SHAKEN

WORKERS IN ITALY R.A.F. BOMBING HAVOC RIOTING IN SICILY (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Preaa Aaan.) (Reed. Nov. 21, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 20. The Royal Air Force raids on Italy are seriously affecting the morale of the workers, who are nervous, suffering from lack of sleep and often refuse to return to work after bombings. This was reported to the Ankara correspondent of the Daily Telegraph by a neutral traveller who has just returned’ from Italy. The correspondent added that an expert estimated that the raided towns’ production is only 60 per cent of normal. The manufacture of aircraft and shipbuilding had ceased. The convoys recently attacked were the first for some time to attempt to break the blockade. Most of the German troops in Italy have been sent to Russia. Only German aeroplanes are left in Sicily. The traveller confirms that rioting occurred in Sicily. Inscriptions such as “Make Terms with Britain" are nightly chalked on walls. The destruction of the Naples’ torpedo factory reduced the navy’s torpedo potential by half. Small industries are disappearing. Only the Breda, Ansaldo and Fiat works are producing anything worth while. Rebuilding and repairs are difficult because of the lack of iron and cement.

Despite the risk of heavy punishment, people listen to the British Broadcasting Corporation. The Government considered the prohibition of possession of radio sets but dropped the proposal, fearing the people’s reaction.