HOLLOW GAIN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 225, 21 August 1940, Page 7

HOLLOW GAIN.

SOMALILAND OCCUPATION. LONDON. Aug. 20. A Berlin message says Hitler lias telegraphed to Mussolini: “I and the German people most heartily congratulate you and your army on your great victory in East Africa.” Little surprise has been caused in London by the announcement of the withdrawal from British Somaliland, which has been a British Protectorate for 60 years. All the newspapers agree' with the War Oftree statement that, while tho Italians have won some prestige, they have gained very little from a strategic point of view. It is pointed out that for the purpose of trying to control the lied Sea, if they could achieve such success, the Italians are already well placed hy having Eritrea, and that the occupation of British Somaliland is not likely to help much. That the Italian people are disinterested in the war is the main conclusion diawn by the correspondent of an American syndicate of newspapers whose, story managed to elude tlie censors. _ _ The evaporation of the people’s savings for war purposes has been followed by acts of sabotage. During the past three weeks explosions have taken place in munition factories, causing several deaths. Damage to property and shortage of food have caused high feeling. Evidence also comes from Rome of passive resistance to the Germans, in France. The French, it is stated, are doing everything to prevent the authorities from bringing life hack to normal. _ French sailors from the demilitarised French naval forces at Alexandria have decided to fight alongside General de Gaulle’s free French forces and are offering themselves for service anywhere and in any capacity.