Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1943-07-27
Reported Vatican
Negotiations Lack
Confirmation
By the Associated Press.

Secretary Knox said today that
developments in Italy indicate
some attempts to take that coun-
try out of the war in the "rea-
sonably near future"
The Navy Secretary told his press
conference he had mo exclusive in
formation on the situation, but it
was his estimate italy would soon
take steps to leave the war.
He was asked whether he meant
an attempt by King Victor EN-
manuel and Marshal Badoglio, sue
cessor to Mussolini. He replied that
he meant such an attempt.
Meanwhile, German spokesman
became holder today in commenting
on the change of governments in
Italy.
Conferences Under Way.
"As long as a patriot is at the
head Of Italy he naturally must
adopt the principle that the vital
interests of italy could be brought
to bear only against her enemies,
England, the United States and
Bolshevism," the German radio said
in quoting what it said were the re-
marks of Foreign Office spokes-
man.
The spokesman was quoted as say
ing that the German Ambassador in
Rome, Hans Georg Viktor Won Mack
ensen, undoubtedly already had
talked with Marshal Badoglio, but
that no information could be given
concerning the meeting.
This broadcast. recorded by the
Associated Press in London was &C
companied by another purporting to
quote Swedish newspaper reports
from Switzerland that commune
que on the conversations was ex-
pected to be issued from Rome.
Swedish press reports said prepa-
rations for armistice negotiations al
ready were being made between the
Allies and Italy.
In Swiss diplomatic circles it is
said that preparations for armistice
negotiations already are being made
between the Allies ard Italy, appar-
emily with the help of the Vatican"
said the Swedish newspaper, Svenska
Dagbladet, in dispatch from Bern.
But this Is unconfrmed either by
ofnclal or unofficial news"
Swiss dispatches said, however.
that the Svenska Dagbladet report
concerned old peace feelers before
Premier Mussolini resigned.
The Swedish newspaper also said
that "unconfrmed reports say that
badogllo's son is in contact with
the Allies in Algiers," and that the
appointment of the italian Ambas-
sador in Ankara as foreign minister
gave ground for certain rumors re-
garding preliminary armistice nego-
tiations in Ankara."
Meanwhile, the Rome radio. in a
broadcast giving the first descrip-
tlon OF life in the Italian capital
under the new government, said the
city had returned to normal after
enthusiastic demonstra tons that
were touched off by the news of
Baoogllos taking over the power.
Population Obeys Orders.
Inc announcement, recorded by
the Associated Press, said public
services continued to function
smoothly and that public and pri-
Vate business was proceeding with
out interruption. 1t reported that
the population was scrupuIouslv
ooeylng the orders of the new
regime.
A Swiss broadcast, recorded bv
the Federal Communications Com
said five political parties
at Turin had published Joint
manifesto urging the Italian people
10 determine their own laws"
Bern dispatches said. that, while
Badoglio has not yet oficiallv
proclaimed the Fascist partv dead
the new Premier and his ministers
are cleaning house throughout the
hatlon. The Fascist party head
quarters have been taken over. Be-
nlto Mussolini and other high Fas-
clsts are reported under protective
CUSTODY, and the national police
force has been reorganized under a
military administration, according
to political and diplomatic sreports
from the Italian capital by way of
Bern.
Disorders have been surprisingly
lew, according to these sources.
badogllo moved swiftly to avoid
oloodshed. and so far but one seri-
Gus outbreak has been reported-a
riot IN Milan Sunday night that re-
suited In the death of three Fascist
party members.
Belief that Badoglio and his cabi-
net would seek some method of
approaching the Allies for armistice
terms was strengthened by increas-
Ing reports of spontaneous peace
demonstrations which have broken
out in Italy's biggest cities. They
began Sunday night, soon after
King Victor Emmanuel had an
nounced the resignation OF Premier
Mussolini.
Men. women and children poured
into the streets of Rome, Naples,
Milan, Turin, Genoa and other
cities with cries for peace and
shouts of joy over Mussolini's down.
fall. Direct news dispatches from
Italy have been halted, but Italian
newspapers reaching Switzerland
disclosed the scope of the demon.
STATIONS, which apparently were
nationwide.
The Corriere Della Sera Of Milan
reflected the opinion of the ma
jority of the press in an editorial
headed:
"Mussolini has left. We are free"
Whether the Italian press has
been restored to its full freedom of
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