SURRENDER SOUGHT

Grey River Argus, 11 June 1943, Page 5

SURRENDER SOUGHT

By the Allies

GARRISON’S REFUSAL

LONDON, June 9. To-day’s Italian communique says: “The garrison of Pantellaria yesterday refused to accept an Allied proposal to surrender after being attacked all day from the air and violently shelled by an Allied naval formation.”

An Allied North African communique says: Allied aircraft on Tuesday dropped leaflets on Pantellaria, .asking for unconditional surrender. The demand has not been answered. The demand was made to save the inhabitants and garrison unnecessary suffering. Pantellaria will continue to be subjected to bombing, bombardment and blockade, until it surrenders. Rome radio says that Allied planes dropped leaflets calling for the surrender of Pantellaria by 6 p.m. local time yesterday, signed by General Spaatz, on behalf of Allied Headquarters. The reply by the Admiral

commanding the island garrison was to prepare all means to repulse the Innrime The population is resisting stoiSfy be“ide P the soldiers, sailors and airmen, proudly sharing t e sacrifices and privations. Everyone is at his post, prepared to make the enemy pay the highest price for the expected landing attempt. Rome radio stated to-day: Overwhelming air and naval forces are hpsiesinp’ Pantellaria. A report from Berlin_ quoted by the Paris radio says it is CDhsidered possible that a serious attempt will be made to land on Pantellaria. It was stated in London there are some nine thousand civilians, apart from the garrison on Pantellaria. It was officially announced from Tripoli to-day, according to a Cairo message, that the’ remaining seven leading Fascist officials m Tnpolitania, including the Vice-Governor and two perfects, whose services are no longer required by the British Military Administration, have been interned. . „ „ An Italian communique says: Pantellaria since May 9. suffered four bombardments from the sea,, and some 140 sea attacks. The daylight attacks in the last few days averaged twelve while on the last nine nights air raids have followed without- interruption, giving no respite to the defenders. The offensive, of course, caused much damage but the brave soldiers, while bombing is going on promptly set about repairing the damage. ;Nava?l and anU'-aircraft guns continually replied. Dr Gayda in an article in “Giornale d’ltalia” says: “Italy does not ignore the importance of this historic hour. She sees it coming with confidence and firmness and is ready to fight with arms and ideals, trusting in the might of the Tripartite Powers. and the victory of; justice. Italy’s war aims are, first, a new order in Europe. Second, justice, reconciliation and collaboration. Thirdly, possession of means to guarantee national work. Fourthly, accession to new regions .and markets. Fifthly, freedom from all foreign hegemony.”