UNDER ARREST

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21357, 27 February 1941, Page 8

UNDER ARREST

MARSHAL GRAZIANI MUSSOLINI CRITICISED I DRAMATIC DISCLAIMER (United press \ssn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 25 The Daily Telegraph’s Lisbon correspondent srys Marshal Graziani, who was commander of the Italian forces in North Africa, is under house arrest in Rome. News from a diplomatic source in Rome declares that Graziani after the fall of Bardia went to Rome and attended the Supreme War Council, over which Mussolini presided. Graziani at great length dramatically disclaimed responsibility for the Italian defeats and accurately foretold the course of the campaign. He revealed that he tendered his resignation after the death of Marshal Balbo last June, but obeyed Mussolini’s order to withdraw it. Graziani placed on the council table Mussolini’s actual instructions for the invasion of Egypt. He also tabled a series of his own despatches, in which he most strongly opposed Mussolini’s entire strategy. Graziani also presented the council v/ith the Duce’s replies to these despatches, in which Mussolini swept aside all Graziani’s arguments and commanded him to advance. Opposition To Mussolini Graziani declared that he had never modified his opposition to Mussolini’s strategy and retained his command only under the Duce’s order. Graziani closed a dramatic selfdefence by turning to the Duce and formally resigning from the Fascist Party. He said that henceforth he would serve his country only as a professional soldier. Mussolini thereupon ordered Graziani to remain in Rome, where his presence hitherto has been a closely guarded secret. FATAL ACCIDENT GERMAN COMMANDER (United Press Asn.—Elec. Tel. Cooyrlght) (Received Feb. 27, 3.15 pjn.) BERLIN, Feb. 26 The German naval commander for occupied territory, ViceAdmiral de la Periere, met with a fatal accident on February 24. AMERICAN WARSHIPS MAY VISIT AUSTRALIA MR WENDELL WILLKIE’S PLANS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) WASHINGTON, Feb.. 25 Naval authorities in Washington today declined to comment on a re- ; port from New Caledonia that units of the United States Fleet might visit Australia. Unofficial sources said the reports might have arisen from speculation , as to whether Mr Wendell Willkie might be offered the use of a United ; States warship if he decided to go ' to Australia.