ITALY AN ALLY?

Grey River Argus, 24 September 1943, Page 5

ITALY AN ALLY?

Badoglio’s Lead LIKELY TO BE UTILISED. (Rec. 11.15.;), NEW YORK. Sept. 22. "There is reason to believe that the Allies intend to take full political advantage of the fact that Marshal Badoglio is on our side.” It is pointed out that his broadcast, ordering the Italians to regard all Germans as enemies, came as close to a declaration of war as the Prime Minister of the beaten nation can ever make. Although A.M.G.O.T. is already working in Italy, it is reasonable to guess that it will not expand, and it may not even continue, if the Allies can work out a formula revolving around Marshal Badoglio that will meet with the militarineeds without stirring up too much political dissatisfaction among those citizens of Allied countries who still regard Marshal Badoglio as an enemv leader. Although King Victor Emmanuel’s present whereabouts is a mystery, it can be said that the. Allied problem of handling Marshal Badoglio would be enormously simplified if King Emmanuel can be also brought into, the picture. Military leaders are certainly aware of the possible political repercussions in Allied countries similar to those concerning Admiral Darlan and M. Deat, but’ it is emphasised that military considerations take precedence over political ones. That was the case in the early stages of the French problem. It will continue to be the case as long as the war is fought against Hitler from this theatre.

BRITAIN AND ITALY.

COMMONS DISCUSSION.

LONDON, Sept. 22. ,

In the House of Commons Kt. Hon. Mr. Greenwood (Labour) referred to Britain’s attitude towards Italy, he said the United Nations had appealed to the Italians to join in the task of ridding Italy of the Germans and liberating the country. He urged that liberation should mean the opposite to the Germans’ conception of “liberation,” and said that “liberty” should be emblazoned on all the flags of the nations advancing against the enemy. . 1 Other members criticised the bombing of Milan and Turin after the fall of Mussolini. Mr. Churchill’s absence from England was also criticised and the United Nations treating with Marshal Badoglio and Victor Emmanuel. . , n Mr. Eden said the kind of government they wanted to see in Italy was one as broadly based as possible, including all elements and parties of an anti-Fascist character. They would do their best to bring that about and anyone prepared to help in the fight against Hitler would be welcomed. The delivery! of the Italian Fleet was honest'” and courageously carried out In Corsica. French and Italian troops were fighting together successfully- against the Germans. Concerning the criticism ot the bombing of Italy being continued aftei the armistice, Mr. Eden said: “The first Italian envov arrived in Madrid .on August 15. We first received a telegrrm about it on August 16. He arrived in Lisbon on August 17. Out negotiations began on August 18 to August 19—the first day we knew there were people who h n d some credentials to negotiate. The last occasion of the bombing of Milan was the night of August 15-16. The last occasion of the bombing of Turin was the niaht of August 16-17. Our information had been extremely accurate.' We judged the Italians would not. fight, and we iudged Fright. I had orave doubts whether they might not fight.” N.Z. Prisoners in Italy DUNEDIN, Sept. 23. There were 3632 New Zealanders who were prisoners of war in Italy, said the Minister of Defence, Mr F. J'ones to-day. The Minister added that, so far, no information had been received as to whether any of these prisoners had been released as the result of Italy’s withdrawal from active operations. As soon as any information was’ available it would be communicated to those concerned. ■