Separate Peace Proposal Gaining Favour In Italy

Northern Advocate, 18 May 1943, Page 3

Separate Peace Proposal Gaining Favour In Italy

(Received 12 Noon) LONDON, May 17. FE ITALIAN CABINET, WITH KING VICTOR EMMANUEL PRESIDING, HAS BEEN HOLDING A NON-STOP SESSION SINCE FRIDAY, SAYS THE ALGIERS RADIO. THE FORMER CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE ITALIAN ARMY, MARSHAL BADOGLIO, WHO HAS BEEN CALLED ON TO TAKE OVER THE SUPREME COMMAND, HAS PARTICIPATED IN THE DISCUSSIONS. Mussolini’s prestige is definitely sinking, says the radio. The idea of a separate peace which America is said to have suggested, is making ever greater progress in Rome.

German Forces ‘ It is stated in London that there is no evidence to suggest that the Germans are withdrawing any troops they may have in Italy. There never have been any actual German army formations in Italy although a few units, probably meant to reinforce the German forces in Tunisia, are still there. Luftwaffe formations are operating from Italian territory, particularly Sicily. Reports received in Madrid from Rome state that Italy is massing troops to defend the coasts. Urges Aid For Invasion Calling for immediate peace with the Allies, and urging the people to aid invading troops, a secret Italian radio, “Free Milan,” says: “We know how deep-rooted discontent is mn Italy. We are all approaching an upheaval which will result in the overthrow of Fascism. Soldiers will overthrow Fascism. They are just as discontented as you. The enemy is powerful, but we can prove to him our true belief in justice if we lend him a helping hand the day he appears on our shores.”

The “Corriera Della Sera,” in a leader, warns Italians that the Allies are undoubtedly determined to attempt invasion of Italj r . It admits Allied air superiority, but claims that Italian headquarters are convinced that invasion would be an impossible undertaking. Berlin radio says the Royal Air Force last night made nuisance raids on north, central and west Germany. The population suffered casualties. Jnjured In Air The numbers and composition of the forces available for the defence of Italy have been the subject of much speculation. Without disclosing official intelligence it may be said thai Italian divisions in the Balkans number between 20 and 30. Five Italian divisions are in South France and ethers in Corsica and Sardinia. In the air the Tunisian campaign proved that Allied forces in the Mediterranean are outstandingly superior to the combined strength of Germany and Italy in that theatre. Having lost Africa, and being forced to operat esolely from Italian territory, it is unlikely that the Axis air forces will be able to achieve a greater success in the defence of Italy than in Africa.

The total Italian air strength is go small and so technically inferior that its best efforts, even in conjunction with the Luftwaffe, could not adequately protect Italy against an Allied air attack. Italy’s most effective method of defending herself against air attack would be to bomb Allied airfields in Africa, but her bomber force is small and vulnerable to ground and fighter attack, while her fighters are neither numerous nor efficient enough to prevent unescorted Allied bombers from attacking Italy. Unfortunately Placed In short, Italy is unable to defend all the targets within bombing range, apart from the unsuitability of many Italian fighter types to engage heav-ilv-armed bombers. Against night attacks, Italian anti-aircraft has proved inefficient and she has never developed night-fighters, and Germany has few, if any, to spare. Italian airfields are unfortunately placed for defence against attack from the south as there are comparatively few south of Rome and the southern area does not lend itself to the development of airfields. The same applies to Sicily and Sardinia. The best airfields were constructed in the north for defence against France. Reports that Algiers radio had broadcast a statement that the King of Italy had abdicated created great interest in London, but investigation revealed that, the broadcast merely quoted a suggestion made in the United States last week that the King might abdicate.

Turkish diplomats at Istanbul believe a move to establish a basis for Italian peace talks may be occurring, says the “Daily Express” Istanbul correspondent. They point out that Archbishop Spellman arrived at Istanbul almost simultaneously with Monsignor Clarizio, the Vatican Under-Secretary for State. It is known that they are going to meet. A high official of the Italian Embassy yesterday contacted Archbishop Spellman through the resident Papal legate in Turkey, Monsignor Roncagli. It is not suggested that anything sensational immediately will develop, but there is reason to believe that Archbishop Spellman is obtaining an up-to-date understanding of the degree of Italian hopes for a separate peace this summer. Vichy radio says Laval, addressing prefects of South France, requested enforcement of rigorous discipline. Save Tyrants or Save Italy British broadcasts to Italy are increasing the Italians’ uncertainties and fears about the Allies’ next move. The general tenor of the British talks is the sooner Italy gets out of the war the greater chance she will have to save her country. The Italians must decide whether they will save the tyrants by destroying Italy, or save Italy by destroying the tyrants.” Morocco radio, with reserve, quoted a Berne report that the King of Italy had abdicated. There is increasing opposition to Mussolini, but Rome radio announced that King Victor Emmanuel inaugurated an art exhibition at Rome, attended by various Ministers ana Fascist Party officials. Mussolini did not attend. The imminence of the danger confronting Italy is being stressed with the arrival at other parts of evacuees from Sicily and South Italy, says the “Daily Telegraph’s” Zurich correspondent. Italian authorities are trying their hardest to minimise the effects of Allied air attacks. Weak Air Defences

The Minister for Corporations (Gianetti) in a speech claimed that Italians are rallying round the administration. He said Italian industry, after three years or hard war, showed no symptoms of disorganisation or weakness. The fuel situation was no more serious than in 1915-18. Cn the contrary, other reports state the Italians are increasingly bitter because military objectives are thinly protected against air raids, while the Germans are hedging the Ruhr factories with the best and latest searchlights and Ack-ack guns. Valori, writing in “Comer Della Sera,” warns that Italy’s supreme trial of strength is approaching, but suggests that Allied attempts to land tanks

and other heavy material would be an undertaking fraught with tremendous difficulties. “The Times” Lisbon correspondent says increased restrictions on foreign travellers are reported from Belgrade, where it is virtually impossible for foreigners to stay over two nights. All hotels are reserved for the army. The Royal Palace is being used as a prison, mostly for hostages. Disciplinary Action The War Secretary (General Sorice) stated that_precautions had been taken for the rapid transport of troops to points where the enemy might land. A special mobile corps was being formed. All vulnerable areas had been reinforced, including the coast of Montenegro. Dalmatia and Yugoslavia. In the event of a successful enemy landing, a possibility that could not be overlooked, special rationing supply plans had already been worked out. New disciplinary measures were shortly being taken to strengthen the home front. Legislation had also been prepared for putting certain areas under military jurisdiction. The population, though somewhat anxious, firmly believed in final victory and was determined to defend Italian soil. General Sorice added that 10 Italian divisions had been lost in North Africa during the Tunisian campaign and six generals and 23 colonels taken prisoner. The “Deutsche Diplomatische Korrespondence,” the German Foreign Office official journal, declares that the German army will defend every inch of Italian soil just as that of its own country. “The GermanItalian brotherhood in arms will stand its ultimate, and supreme test, wherever the enemy attacks.”

It is reported from Berne that Italy is feverishly preparing against the threat of invasion. The Italian Minister for Education has ordered the closing of all schools in the nation by May 22, in order to assist civilian evacuation and liberate 18 and 19 year olds, who so far have been exempt from military service. Italian troop-trains are reported to be rushing to the Calabrian Peninsula. Marshal Badoglio has returned from a flying tour of inspection of defences, and reported to the King and military experts. Germany Cannot Help Italy In the Balkans there are nine or ten German divisions, 30 Italian divisions and perhaps 17 Bulgarian divisions, very poorly staffed and equipped. It is suggested that Germany needs about 200 divisions for her final bid against Russia, and it is not thought that she can spare troops and air forces for the aid- of Italy. No wonder the Italians are gloomy.