SWISS REPORTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 15 April 1944, Page 5

SWISS REPORTS

GERMANS TO EVACUATE ITALY London, April 13. | The Germans are planning the total evacuation of Italy, says reports from . Switzerland, but the London "Daily ) Telegraph says official circles are not disposed to credit these reports as a withdrawal from Italy would entail collapse in the Balkans. The Lugano newspaper “Corriere Del Ticino” stated that Mussolini was discussing the German withdrawal at Hit--1 ler ’s headquarters, adding: "Neo-Fascist circles express the opinion that the reaj sons the Germans occupied Italy last ; November are no longer valid. The reasons were, first, prestige: secondly, prevention of Allied raids on central Germany from Italian bases: and thirdly, exploitation of Italy’s economic resources.” The "New York Times” Berne correspondent who quotes “reliable neutral sources” for a statement that the Germans are planning the total evacuation of Italy, says this may present Hitler with another Stalingrad, because the Swiss are determined to prevent the passage of retreating Nazi troops through Swiss territory, even if it means war. The correspondent adds that the German indention to evacuate Italy is indicated by the fact that 40 per cent, of the industrial equipment of northern Italy was recently shipped to Germany.