Italian Production Will be an Asset

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 215, 10 September 1943, Page 5

Italian Production Will be an Asset

Received Thursday, 11.30 p.m. NEW YORK, Sept. 8.

Jubilant military observers are confident another smashing blow against the fortress of Europe has already been blueprinted to the last detail, says the New York Times’ Washington correspondent. The immediate problem involves three principal factors. Firstly, how strong are the Germans in Italy? Secondly, where will they choose to make a stand? Thirdly, how determinedly will they resist? It is known that four German divisions which escaped from Sicily are still in Southern Italy. In addition there are numerous divisions which, according to recent reports, poured into the Po Valley. State Department sources declared that Italy will be an economic as well as military asset and unless the Germans wreak enormouse destruction on the country, it will require little if any relief supplies. Amgot officers have already landed in Italy. Informants point out that the United Nations are acquiring the Italian aircraft industry and also oranges, lemons, olive oil ana wines. Furthermore, Italian agriculture has been almost unaffected by the war and although food was rationed, production was above subsistence level.