NIPPED IN THE BUD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 9 February 1943, Page 5

NIPPED IN THE BUD

ITALIAN PEACE PLAN REASOaN FOR CABINET DISMISSALS LONDON PRESS STATEMENT (Rec. 10.35 a.m.) London. Feb. 8. The “Daily Mail” says Mussolini’s dismissal of Count Ciano, Signor Grandi and other Cabinet Ministers foiled a well-matured peace plan engineered behind his back. Quoting Swedish j sources, the newspaper says: “Mussolini first heard of the peace plan eight days ago. He quickly nipped in the bud military preparations for it by dismissing General Cavallero. “After his last meeting with Hitler, Cavallero stressed the necessity for making peace because of the impossible situation on the Russian front. Count Ciano, who met Hitler at the same time, agreed with Cavallero. The following weeks were occupied in endless argument between Mussolini and Ciano. Ciano, Grandi and Cavallero apparently realised the only hope for Italy rested in the House of Savoy and promptly entered into negotiations with King Victor Emmanuel. Both sides agreed that a peace plan depended on the Papal attitude and the dowagers connected with the House of Savoy obtained audience with the Pope. At this point Mussolini struck.” CROWN PRINCE SENT TO RUSSIA Mussolini has appointed Crown Prince Umberto commandar of the remnants of the Italian forces in Russia, says a report received in London. The “Daily Express” correspondent in North Africa says it is persistently rumoured that Prince Umberto attended the conference in Casablanca between Mr Churchill and President Roosevelt. Prince Umberto’s removal to Russia is believed to be linked with Mussolini’s dismissal of nine Cabinet Ministers last weekend and the dismissal a week ago of General Cavallero.

ITALIAN CABINET

PROMINENT FASCISTS LOSE SEATS Among the members of the Italian Cabinet whom Mussolini has retired from office is Count Galeazzo Ciano, who is 39 years of age. He became Secretary of the Italian Embassy at the Vatican. In 1930 he married Edda Mussolini, and soon afterward he was gazetted ConsulGeneral in Shanghai. In 1933 he was a delegate to the Economic Conference in London. He was criticised for failure to put Italy’s case successfully to the world when the invasion of Abyssinia was planned. He restored his prestige by volunteering for service there as a captain in the Air Force. He distinguished himself as leader of a bombing squadron. In 1936 he became Foreign Minister. He later fought in Albania. It was reported in August, 1941, that he had been deprived of his post at the demand of Berlin because he had advocated Italian neutrality. Count Dino Grandi was born in 1895. As a young law student in 1914 he agitated for the entry of Italy into the war on the side of the Allies. He joined the Fascist Party in its early days and held a number of high posts. He represented Italy at the League of Nations. He was Italian Ambassador to London during the difficult days of the Spanish and Abyssinian wars. He was very popular in London and his recall to the post of Minister of Justice in 1939 was much regretted. In March, 1941, it was reported that he had gone to Albania as an officer in an Alpini unit, and that Mussolini had taken over the Ministry of Justice. Grandi’s resumption of the post was Rot recorded.

Giuseppe Bastianini succeeded Grandi as Ambassador to London, and he was in London when Italy entered the war in June, 1940. In May, 1941, it was announced that he had been appointed Governor-General of Dalmatia.

Marshal Badoglio, it was reported in April, 1941, led a revolt against Mussolini. A revolution was averted by sending a number of Cabinet Ministers to the front, and chasing Marshal Badoglio into the Royal Palace, where he remained a “guest.”