The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1940-12-26

lrALY ON HE SPOT

It is six mosths since Italy en-
tered the war. just four days be-
fore Paris fell and German troops
went marching down Champs Ely
sees. That was more than nine
months after Germany had invaded
Poland ana thereby brought on
British and French declarations OF
war. 1t was early enough, how
ever. for Mussolini to claim pick
ings as the Axis partner of Hitler.
Italy's part was 10 defeat the
British in the Mediterranean, de-
stroy their life line" from Suez 10
Gibraltar and make the inland sea
Mare Nostrum in fact.
The African campaign was
launched early in August with
Hiuer's full approval, and there
were a few immediate victories.
notably the British withdrawal
from Somaliland and the Italian ad-
vance to Sidi Barrani But the pro
jected drive by Mussolini across
Egypt TO the Canal did not materi-
aliZe.
Now the British have inflicted
apparently fatal defeat upon the
Italians in Egypt, and it is begin
ming to look as II the end is in
sight for Italy, unless Hitler can
find a way Of rushing effective aid
to the Italians on both the Albanian
and Egyptian fronts,
The closing days OF October saw
the beginning Of Mnssolinfs most
humiliating experience. Apparent
ly upon his own initiative-it has
been frequently asserted, and
never denied, that Hitler had no
part in the plan-Italy. from her
base in Albania, began the Inflated
invasion OF Greece.
Today finds Italian troops, driv-
en- back by the Greeks in a con-
test in which almost hand-to-hand
mountain fighting has been vic
torious against mechanical might,
contesting for control Of Albania,
actually having lost an important
seaport as well as much terrain.
Italy is on the defensive. Strategic
Greek bases are In the hands Of
the British.
In this LATHAM adventure the tide
has turned. 1t mas turned at a time
when the British have obtained vic
tories over the Italian navy in more
than one engagement A British
blockade. stretching from west Of
Sardinia 10 Suez, cuts off the raw
materials Of which Italy is in dire
need
The Italian debacle on all fronts
has been a blow TO axis prestige.
Rumania Is under German control,
IT is true but other Balkan states,
notably Yugoslavia. Bulgaria and
Turkey, seem now inclined 70 bend
the knee TO the axis powers That
accounts for the revival Of the
Turko-British trade pact and the
significant silence Of Soviet Russia.
despite the trumpeting By the
Reich that heralded the visit 10
Berlin several weeks ago OF Prem
Ter Molotoff
The question remains whether
the axis-and that means. unmis-
takably, Hitler. the No. / man
can afford 10 let the Greeks trium-
ph. Even Spain, which Hitler and
Mussolini made a third fascist state
on Frances frontiers. IS flirting
commercially with the British, and
IS seeking an American loan or
bribe 70 stay out OF the war.
VIII Hitler feel that he must
20 TO the aid Of Mussolini and use
German troops. tanks, planes in an
attempt % conquer the Greeks?
How long can he couutenance the
threats from London 70 wipe out
Italy as bell gerent without
direct show of power IN her de.
Tense
None Of the experts has 80 far
voiced a belief that Hitler will
come 10 Mussoliui aid till condi-
tons are such that Germany would
profit most by such move