GENERAL DE VECCHI’S RESIGNATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 9 December 1940, Page 6

GENERAL DE VECCHI’S RESIGNATION

“CANNOT HOLD DODECANESE’* ADMISSION OF ITALY’S WEAKNESS SURRENDER OF ISLANDS ADVISED [British Official Wireless] Received 9th Dec., 1.50 p.m. LONDON, Bth December. Two special the “Daily Mail s’’ Mr G. Ward Price and the “Telegraph’#’’ I Cairo correspondent— state that General De Vecchi resigns after advising Mussolini of his inability ;to hold the Dodecanese Islands against the British. Mr Ward Price simultaneously suggests that General De Vecchi’s admission of weakness makes the British naval occupation of the islands imperative. The "Telegraph’s” Cairo correspondent says that when Italy invaded Greece General De Vecchi swiftly toured the Dode- ; canese and drew up a careful summary of the position. Meanwhile the natives are growing increasingly hostile. Alter the British occupation of Crete General de Vecchi informed Rome that the Dodecanese were unable to take offensive action, o! stand a prolonged siege. He therefore advised surrender in order that Italy might cut her losses.