Revolt Ira Naples Hampers Germans

Northern Advocate, 1 October 1943, Page 3

Revolt Ira Naples Hampers Germans

(Rcc. 3.30 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 30. German military circles explain that the revolt in Naples arose from wellplanned co-operation between revolutionaries within the city and Allied troops immediately south of it. Largescale sabotage occurred simultaneously with the revolt, says the Berlin correspondent of the Stockholm newspaper “Aftonbladet,” and adds that, in view of the proximity of Allied troops and risk of a new Allied landing at Naples itself, the German command has decided it is too risky to keep troops inside the city. Berlin radio tonight declared: “Slums behind fashionable thoroughfares offered hide-outs to, bandits from which they-nightly attacked German soldiers and supplies. They penetrated areas destroyed in Allied air-raids and sacked the belongings of bombed-out persons. Americans in City American tanks enter e d the outskirts of Naples tonight as beaten German forces streamed northward from the burning city to new > defence line just before Rome. “When the Germans, assisted by pro-Fascist Italian forces, tried to put down this threat to their rear, the bandits put up barricades in streets, blowing up numerous buildings to obtain materials- for this purpose. German troops energetically attacked the bandits. British and American bombers tried to intervene to stop the fighting with dive-bombing attacks. However, the bombers were unable to rescue the bandits from their fate and only caused more heavy destruction. The city has suffered lerribly. Large districts in the hands of Communist elements, also Italians loyal to Badoglio. were dealt with most severely.” Germans Appeal, Destroy

Rome radio tonight broadcast an appeal from the commander of the German forces in Naples. “The traitor Badoglio has incited some of you to revolt against German soldiers. Do you want to fight men who spilt their blood with your brothers on the battlefields of North Africa, Sicily and Russia? German soldiers, even now, are fighting on the sacred soil of your country solely for the grandeur of Italy together with Italians who remained loyal to the common cause. “Do not stab in the back your Italian and German brothers who are carrying on the fight against a J?arbarous enemy to defend all you hold most sacred, your honour, homes and women. German soldiers will use the utmost vigour against all who attempt to impede them in the fight against the British and Americans. Therefore keep calm and preserve your beautiful city from complete destruction.” While the Germans accused “bandits” of destruction, latest reports indicate that great fires are again glowing over Naples as German demolition squads are carrying out a systematic destruction order by the High Command. I