IN ITALY

Hokitika Guardian, 10 December 1940, Page 5

IN ITALY

MUSSOLINI’S BUNGLE (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, December 8. The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent says: “There is reason to believe that a question of a German stiffening of Italian troops produced a breach between Signor Mussolini and Marshal Badoglio, and that the latter did not wish Herr Hitler to use the failure of an ill-conceived campaign in order to secure a foothold in the Italian Army, which might end its independent existence. Signor Mussolini is unwilling to withdraw the Italian Army any further for a complete reorganisation during the winter. Ho appears to be attempting a compromise by*, using Fascist' militia battalions as shock troops in the hope of arresting the retreat. This is likely to lead to further ill-feeling between the regulars and the militia.” ITALIAN FEELING OVER WAR RUGBY, December 8. The Sunday newspaper, “Observer,” gives a survey of Italy’s general strategic position, following Greece’s splendid resistance and thrust-, with a concomitant weakening in enemy morale. The “Observer” takes the opportunity to underline the undoubted fact of tho lukewarmness for the war on the part of the majority of the Italiifi people. “The Italians know that we had no quarrel with them,” it says. “An insane struggle to overthrow the British Empire was forced on them, and an iron answer on us. The large majority of the Italians have had no heart in the war. Their good instinct has told them that it could only mako them either the victims of a Nazi defeat, or the jackals of a. Nazi success. When it is made plain to them that their continuance in the war means certain .misery and ruin, they will revolt against it, and will leave it. Nothing that Fascism can do will prevent. it if we know how to handle olir side of the business.