IN FORTUNES OF ITALIAN ARMS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 10 December 1940, Page 5

IN FORTUNES OF ITALIAN ARMS

SENIOR OFFICERS LEAVE THEIR POSTS SERIOUS DISCONTENT [U.P.A.-By Electric Telegraph-Copyright] Received 10th Dec., 10.40 a.m. LONDON, 9th December. A formidable list of resignations of senior officers of the Italian army and navy, of which the latest is Admiral Domenico Cavagnari, the Chief of the Naval Staff, has aroused considerable comment in the world s Press. The loss of these leading soldiers and sailors at a critical moment in the fortunes of Italian arms is generally taken as a sign of serious professional discontent with Signor Mussolini’s plans in the Balkans.

The Cairo correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” learns from well-informed quarters that Marshal Graziani, commander of the Italian forces in Africa, asked to be relieved of his command some days ago but the resignation was rejected. The diplomatic correspondent of the ‘‘Telegraph’’ says there is reason to believe that the question of a German stiffening of the Italian troops in Albania produced the breach between Signor Mussolini and the Chief of the General Staff, Marshal Badoglio, who did not wish Herr Hitler to use the failure of the ill-conceived campaign in order to secure a foothold in the Italian army which might end its independent existence.

Signor Mussolini, the correspondent says, is to withdraw the Italian army further for a complete reorganisation during the winter, and he appears to be attempting a compromise by using Fascist militia battalions as shock troops in the hope of arresting the retreat. This is likely to lead to further ill-feeling between the regular army and the militia.

Besides being Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Cavagnari, who has been replaced by Admiral Riccardi, was Under-Secretary for State for the Navy. He has been released from his position at his own request. Signor Mussolini trusted him so recently as to appoint him the representative of the Italian navy at the armistice negotiations when France surrendered. He is believed to be among those who share Marshal Badoglio’s antagonism to the increasing Nazi influence in Italy.

The new naval chief enjoys the confidence of Mussolini and owes his position more to his political opinions than to his reputation as a seaman. He is described as an unscrupulous man and a good administrator, the type of man Mussolini likes to promote to high office. Now, it is suggested, he may be the scapegoat for the Taranto disaster. The newly-appointed Chief of the General Staff, General Cavallero, has sent a message of loyalty to Mussolini and of the army’s determination to hasten victory. The Turkish paper “Ulus” suggests that Marshal Badoglio’s resignation followed categorical demands by Mussolini for brilliant victories on the Albanian front to restore Italian prestige, demands with which Marshal Badoglio could not comply. The Duce, it is suggested, then sought some other commander who would do anything he was asked, so as to save the prestige of the Fascist Party.