PEACE TALK

Grey River Argus, 19 February 1943, Page 5

PEACE TALK

BY AXIS SPOKESMAN About Menace of Communism [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, February 17. Signor Gayda, the Duce’s publicist, yesterday made the first open, appeal for a compromise peace. Writing in “Giornale d’ltalia,” he said: “Italy must resist until the moment England realises hgr debt to America is growing ever larger, that her world markets are being destroyed and the risk of Communism becomes overwhelming. If peace is not made rapidly we could • then consider’ a compromise peace with Britain and America, but never With Russia. The Axis has no choice but to resist as long as is materially possible. The Allies’ geographical position protects them from direct attack, but the same applies to the Axis. An Axis caitulation would mean heavy territorial losses and the impoverishment of their people; therefore, the only way is to continue resistance, even if it appears completely’ hopeless. This applies especially to resistance on the Axis borders which, in no event, should be crossed. “The former British Ambassador to Tokio (Sir Robert Clive) recently declared that the Allies did not expect Japan to collapse, and he, therefore, expected a negotiated peace. The Axis is determined to resist until a similar statement applies to them. The Soviet is the real danger to both belligerents and, for this reastpi; ; the Allies should realise the futility of continuing fighting.’’ A PEACE OVERTURE- » * ■ U.S. SPOKESMAN’S COMMENT. (Rec. 9.50.) WASHINGTON, Feb. 17. Mr. Elmer Davis, Director of . the Office of War Information, speaking to press representatives said: — The statement of Signor Virgjnio. Gaydas that Italy could consider peace negotiations with Britan and America is the first open peace appeal by an Axis spokesman. He commented that heretofore German broadcasts had denied the existence of peace overtures, at the same time suggesting that Britain and America would have Germany in order to destroy the menace of .Communism, Mr. Davis also remarked that the Axis started a propaganda campaign on the day that German forces suffered the first defeat on the Eastern Front, but the campaign was failing in neutral countries, and it had had only slight effect on Britain and America. ECHO OF GAYDA IN ANKARA. (Rec 11.0.) LONDON. Feb. 17. The “Daily Mail’s” Ankara correspondent says: Sounding the same note as Signor Gayda, Herr Brell, chief of the Official German News Agency at Ankara, and a propagandist, Herr Matsel, through the German Embassy, have launched a strenuous campaign throughout Turkey with the object of persuading Britain and America that a Soviet victory over Germany would mean danger for them. German newspapers 'arriving at Ankara have completely dropped the usual abuse ot Britain and America. The correspondent adds: Hitler is cleariv ready to go to any lengths in an attempt to avert a British-Ameri-can invasion while his .Russian defences are hard-pressed.

YUGOSLAV POSITION'. (Rec. 12.30.) LONDON, Feb. 18 The “Daily Herald’s” diplomatic correspondent says: The Russian Government has noted that the YugoSlav Government in London has been accusing General Mikhailovitch oi collaboration with the Axis. The Soviet declares it has proof of tins. This creates the most difficult interAllied situation throughout the war. The Yugoslav Government hotly repudiates the Soviet accusation. The charge seems fantastic, . but Russia would scarcely make it without being certain of its truth.