ITALIAN CABINET

Grey River Argus, 10 February 1943, Page 5

ITALIAN CABINET

Recent Changes LONDON PRESS SPECULATIONS. LONDON, February 8. Mussolini has appointed Crown Prince Umberto as commander of the remnants of the Italian forces in Russia, says a report received m London. With regard to the changes in the Italian Cabinet there is a spate of conjectures in England. It can be read against the background of popular discontent and resentment against the catastrophic course of the war. Italy’s killed, missing and wounded alone are estimated to total 500,000. It maybe that Count Ciano, Count Grandi and the others formed a peace move behind Mussolini’s back. It may be that by appointing Count Ciano Ambassador to the Holy See, Mussolini wants to build up a Vatican on which he can rely in the event of civil trouble. Whatever the cause, the fact remains that Italy, one of the mostoccupied of all occupied countries, must still dance to Berlin’s piping. The “Daily Mail” says: Mussolini s dismissal of Count *Ciano, Count Grandi and other Cabinet Ministers foiled a, well-matured peace plan enginered behind his back. Quoting Swedish sources the “Dailj'’ Mail” says: Mussolini first heard of the peace plan eight days ago. He quickly nipped in the bud military preparations for it by dismissing General Cavallero. After his last meeting with Hitler, General Cavallero stressed the necessity of making peace because of an impossible situation on the Russian front. Count Ciano, who met Hitler at the same time agreed with Cavallero. The following weeks were occupied in endless argument between Mussolini and Ciano. Ciano, Grandi, and Cavallero apparently realised that the only hope for Italy rested in the House of Savoy and promptly entered into negotiations with King Victor Emmanuel. Both sides agred that a peace plan depended on the Papal attitude and dowagers connected with the Blouse of Savoy obtained an audience with tjie Pope. At this point Mussolini struck The “Daily Express” correspondent in North Africa says it has been persistently rumoured that Prince Umberto attended the conference at Casablanca between Mr. Churchill and Mr. Roosevelt. His removal to Russia is believed to be linked with Mussolini’s dismissal of the nine Cabinet Ministers last wek-end and the dismissal, a week ago. of General Cavallero. Italian City ANTI-GOVERNMENT ACTION FEARED. (Rec. 11.6.) LONDON, Feb. 9. ' Moscow radio quotes a Berne report to the effect that troops have been sent to Rome, Genoa, Naples, Turin and Milan to prevent mass anti-Government action. The Berne report said: “All meetings have been banned. Scores of arrests have been made. Black Shirts are guarding Government buildings.”