Evening star., 1939-09-10
Italian Press Cites
Greater Burden Of
PoiIus in Conflict
Fear Grows London
May Urge Southern
Attack on Germany
Rv RICHARD G. MASSOCK,


ROME. Sept. 9-Premier MuSso-
lini passed the word along to the
Italian people today that they should
90 on quietly with their work while
Italy prepares for her role-as yet
a puzzling secret-in the European
war
II Duce maintained his silence, but
an anti-British movement appeared
in the Italian press as though to
split France away from British
leadership in the war against Ger
many
Signs of desire to drive a wedge
between France and Great Britain
appeared in at least two Fascist
organs-the Milan Weekly Relazioni
International and Rome La Tri-
buna.
The Relazioni International
dwelt lengthily on the theme that
France was going to war unwillinaly
like a condemned man going to
his execution at Britains decision.
La Tribuna, more pointedly, said
France finds herself practically
alone in bearing the brunt of greater
shock-whlle waiting to fight to the
last Frenchman.'
No Mention of Nazi Alliance.
On the other hand, the Fascist
press has refrained from single
mention of the German-Italian mil
itary alliance-so-called pact of
steel-since the war began.
Some highly placed Fascists indi-
Gated Italy feared eventually an at
tack by France under the impulsion
of Britain once the German Army.
having conquered Poland. attained
It's full power on the western front.
Usually well-informed persons in
the foreign colony said. on the other
hand, the British were endeavoring
to persuade Mussolini to withhold
aid from Hitler in long war which
they predicted.
The Italian liner Rex sailed for
New York with 1000 persons, IN
Guiding many Americans, aboard.
In addition to the sailing of the
Rex, it was announced Italian
steamship service was being re-
South America, Japan, India, Aus
tralia and Africa. Some Italians
declared this resumption of world
wide steamship service indicated a
return to normal conditions.
On the other hand, Fascists in
high positions said they were aware
of the possibility that Italy might
hnnnpon in, h.
war. Whatever Mussolini decides. the
Fascist press promised the people
it would be to the advantage of
Italy, indicating perhaps II Duce
was waiting for the best bargain.
Increased Production Sought.
The newspapers asked the people
to work intensively to increase the
production of their country In every
field, but especially in that of war
appara tus, to be ready for every
event"
Fascists continued to reject the
suggestion that Mussolini might
break off his alliance with Hitler
while also minimizing the likelihood
of Britain accepting a peace over
ture from Hitler after the conquest
of Poland or an offer of mediation
by Mussolini.
Schools have reopened for the
regular fall term and Italian life has
been affected by the war only in
the disappearance of coffee. mid
night closing of public gathering
places, and ban on private motor
ing to save gasoline.
Turin authorities, however an
nounced plan for the gradual dig
ging of 22,500 meters 13la niles
of trenches as we'll as the erection
of sandbag shelters for the protec-
tion of inhabitants of that city near
the French frontier against possible
air raids.