POOR BLUSTER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23840, 16 December 1940, Page 7

POOR BLUSTER

THE ROME RADIO GREAT ARMIES IN LIBYA "ITALIANS* GRAVEST HOUR" By Telegraph—i Press Association—-Copyright (Received December J.'■>, 5.5 p.ni.) LONDON, Dec. 14 While accusing British propaganda of claiming "Great victories quite different from the truth," the Rome radio said Britain had concentrated all her forces in this part of the world under the leadership of one of her ablest men, General Wavell. Italians were aware that they were living in the gravest hour of their history, but were convinced of a victorious end to the war. The Rome radio Inter described the defeat in North Africa as "merely a desert encounter," and said Marshal Graziani was awaiting the British in Libya with two great armies and fortified lines superior to the British. The radio hotly refuted a report that Italy was negotiating for an armistice, and also reports of revolts in Italian cities. An Italian communique stated: "Frontier fighting continued in the Western Desert all Friday. Italian troops counter-attacked in the afternoon and relieved the enemy pressure.'' The newspaper II Messagero says: "The fight in North Africa may continue and assume a most terrible aspect, but whatever happens Britain is condemned to lose the war. London set herself madly upon Rome with all her strength because Italy blocked the way to India via the Suez and obliged Britain to maintain in the Mediterranean considerable forces which otherwise would be used for the defence of the British Isles. "The attack in North Africa is the best proof that Britain feels the Italian sword with its mortal thrust." COMMANDER IN DESERT MAJOR-GENERAL O'CONNOR ITALIAN DECORATION HELD (Received December 15, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 14 It is revealed that the officer in command of the Western Desert, and. therefore, in particular control of the recent operations, is Major-General B. N O'Connor. This British general holds the Italian Silver Medal for valour. In 1913, the Italian Government was delighted to honour him, says a British official wireless message. In that year Major-General O'Connor was commanding a battalion of a famous London regiment of volunteers, the Honourable Artillery Company. Transferred from France with the Seventh Division for the final defeat of the Austrians, MajorGeneral O'Connor took part in the capture of the Island of Lapadopoli. For his share in the victory, he was not only mentioned by name in despatches but was awarded the Silver Medal for valour by the Italians. AXIS SUPPORTER DIES (Received December 15, 5.5 p.m.) BELGRADE, Dec. 11 The death has occurred of Father Anton Korosec, Yugoslav ecclesiastic and politician, at the age of (38. He was a former Cabinet Minister and an influential supporter of the Axis.