ITALIANS FLEE NORTH

Grey River Argus, 20 May 1943, Page 5

ITALIANS FLEE NORTH

ROME BOMBING SCARE Food Problem Created WAR OF NERVES AGAINST ITALY. [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Rec. 8.20.) LONDON. May 19. The “Daily Mail’s” Geneva correspondent states that a thousand Italians fled northwards from Rome after the R.A.F. appeared over the capital last Sunday. Local authorities as far north as Florence protested against this invasion. They claim that foodstuffs are insufficient for the resident population. Thousands of refugees, from the coastal regions of south Italy have swollen the numbers of refugees, and southerners are never popular in North Italy. The Rome correspondent of “Neue Zurcher Zeitung” declares that the R.A.F. dropped leaflets on Rome demanding- unconditional surrender, also listing forthcoming Italian targets, including Rome, a fact which caused great concern. The Rome radio, quoting Dr V. Gayda, says that now that the war has entered an extremely delicate stao-e the Anglo-Saxon Powers consider it opportune to accelerate the war of nerves against the Italians. They hope to conclude the war with Italy as early as possible. The methods in their war of nerves include the circulation of fantastic rumours, such as the creation of a Council of Six, including the King and Mussolini. also the appointment of Marshal Badoglio as Commander-in-Chief. Tfiis war of nerves will be unsuccessful. According to reports received from Italy, says Reuter’s Lisbon correspondent, crowds cried “Long Live the King.” in demonstrations in several Italian towns, after rumours of King Victor’s abdication. Mussolini’s name was not mentioned. The most reliable information suggests that reports of imminent abdication should not be