ITALIAN PRESS CHANGES

Southland Times, Issue 24108, 23 April 1940, Page 5

ITALIAN PRESS CHANGES

Attacks On Allies Not Repeated IL DUCE’S GREETINGS TO HERR HITLER (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) LONDON, April 21. The question, “Where does Italy stand?” is still being asked. The German Ambassador to Rome, Hen- von Mackensen, arrived in Berlin yesterday from Rome by aeroplane. It is reported that he was urgently summoned. His departure from Rome was revealed only when he did not attend the German colony’s celebration of Herr Hitler’s birthday. The American Associated Press says that the Rome newspapers have not repeated their recent intensive attacks on the Allies. German exploits continue to dominate the war news, but the newspapers report a considerable British and French concentration near Trondheim.

The Official News Agency reports the French Prime Minister (M. Paul Reynaud) as declaring: “A Mediterranean entente alone could consolidate peace.” The Rome correspondent of The Daily' Telegraph says that German agents are actually telling the Italians that the date of Italy’s entry into war will be May 15. Signor Mussolini in a birthday message to Herr Hitler said: “Most sincere wishes in the name of the Fascist Government and the Italian people in the confidence that the German people will be equal to the great test it faces.” Signor Mussolini in a short speech on

the anniversary of the foundation of Rome said: “The watchword is labour and arms.” Signor Ansaldo, who recently warned Italians that their country might be drawn into the war, in another speech said: “The armed forces of Italy are ready for action at any moment. The entire peoples are staking all their forces and resources in the present wai’ because the vanquished cannot delude themselves regarding their fate. “They will be expropriated and impoverished. The victims will monopolize the world’s resources. Nothing can prevent them from acting otherwise. Italy will be among the victors only if she is really strong.”