ITALY’S FORCES

Grey River Argus, 13 October 1936, Page 8

ITALY’S FORCES

Expansions Indicated (Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.) ROME, October 11. /V Cabinet communique disclosed that fifteen million sterling would be devoted to Ihe construction of additional aerodromes in Sicily and Sardinia and elsewhere. When the new factories are added to the 1300 already working sixty hours a week, it will speed up the munitions production by 30 per cent. It is understood that the front line aircraft will be increased by 1500, mostly bombers, before the end of the year. Several dozen naval units arc being const ructcd. Twenty battalions of Blackshirts are being enrolled to replace the troops at present in Abyssinia. Despite the suggestions that the intensification of rearmament is a reply to Britain, official circles declare it must not be interpreted as a threat or even a warning to other Powers.

The Anglo-Italian commercial agreement is now being drafted. Signor Mussolini revealed to the Cabinet that large arms factories are at present being built to increase the output of war materials, notably aeroplane engines. Working hours are being increased to sixty. The air and navy personnels are being augmented, the latter to 60,000.