ITALY SUSPECT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 May 1940, Page 5

ITALY SUSPECT

ALLIES TAKE CERTAIN PRECAUTIONS

DIVERSION OF SHIPPING FROM MEDITERRANEAN. SERIOUS VIEW OF POSITION TAKEN. The Italian Council of Ministers when it meets today, will have an unexpected topic of discussion, Daventry states. The Allies have taken certain precautions for the safety of British ships which would pass through the Mediterranean. This is taken to mean that British ships will be diverted round the Cape. It is understood the British Government does not intend to continue these precautions longer than is necessary. This action, it is stated, has been taken in view of the statements of Italians in responsible positions, and of the attitude of the Italian Press. The reports of German attacks on hospital ships have been suppressed in Italy, and only one paper published the friendly statement made by Mr Menzies, the Australian Prime Minister. It has been openly suggested that the Vatican newspaper should be suppressed. ALLIED TO GERMANV DETERMINED TO FIGHT. FOR LIBERTY IN MEDITERRANEAN. (Received This Day, 10.45 a.m.) ROME, April 30. “Mr Menzies must bring his ideas up to date,” says the “Giornale d'ltalia,” condemning Mr Menzies’s reference to Italy as a neutral. “Italy is not a neutral,” the paper adds. “She is allied to Germany. She has her own interests to defend and is reconstructed and organised to defend them vigorously. Italy is determined to fight for her liberty in the Mediterranean.” NEW BATTLESHIPS ONE PUT INTO ACTIVE SERVICE. ANOTHER TO BE READY SOON. (Received This Day, 10.20 a.m.) ROME, April 30. The Vittorio Veneto, the first of four new battleships, has been put into active service. A sister ship, the Littorio, is expected to be in service soon. The new Italian battleships are vessels of 35(000 tons, armed with 15 inch guns.