1940-06-11 — Page 9

WITH ITALY

MIDNIGHT

AT

Foreign Office ITALY

Statement

LONDON, TO-DAY.

CANADA

VULNERABLE DECLARES

LONDON, TO-DAY..

MR. HUGH DALTON, MINISTER OF ECONOMIC WARFARE, IN AN INTERVIEW YESTERDAY, STATED. ITALY IS MOST VULNERABLE TO. ECONOMIC BLOCKADE.

She is dependent on outside sources for almost every important war ma-

THE FOREIGN OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENT OF MUS- SOLINI'S NOTIFICATION THAT A STATE OF WAR HAS EXISTED AS FROM ONE MINUTE PAST MIDNIGHT LAST NIGHT SAYS: "This rash and foolhardy decision of the Duce will terial, oil, metals, rubber, iron

not have come as a surprise to the people of this country. It has been obvious for many weeks that he had decided he was on the side of the Germans.

and coal.

ore

her She cannot last long. Once present stocks are exhausted she 'will

WAR

Ottawa, To-day. The House of Commons yesterday unanimously voted a declaration of war against Italy.

The Prime Minister, Mr. Mackenzie declaring King, moved a resolution it expedient that the Canadian Gov-

become a grave economic liability to ernment should declare a state of war Hitler.--Reuter,

SWISS AND "ITALY

"It is equally obvious that the great majority of the Italian people is opposed to this step. Duce's decision was taken on the most com- pletely materialistic grounds.

"It is clear his moves were inspired purely for gain and that his entry into the war' was timed for the moment when the Allies were facing the crest of the German invasion.

No Desire To Respond

London, To-day. Commenting on Italy yesterday, the "Manchester Guardian" made the same point as that made in a Moscow the Italian Government will broadcast

no desire to respond to British and French overtures for a "Both the British and French Gov-peaceful settlement of problems. ernments have made it clear in cent weeks to Mussolini that they are perfectly prepared examine in friendly consultation the grievances which Italy was believed to nourish concerning her position in the Medi- terranean.

"He doubtless hopes to profit by what he wrongly anticipates be an overwhelming German vic-has shown tory.

to

re-

Mussolini Forgot-- "The reason can only be that Mus- solini calculates he will be able to gain more by plunging his people into the horrors of war.

Zurich, To-day.

No official Swiss views hitherto have been expressed on Italy's entry into the war.

The declaration has not come as a surprise to the Swiss public, although a deep impression has been made.

Mussolini's statement that he did not wish to draw other nations, Including Switzerland, Into the war; Is considered reassuring. Few will deny that Italy was Nevertheless the situation of Swit- shabbily treated at the last Peace Con-zerland is obviously more precarious it is now surrounded by ference (Versailles), the "Manchester since

goes Guardian"

on, but the only belligerents.-Reuter: method by which problems of colonial

control of sea-INVASION OF FRANCE administration and power can be settled with justice and

REPORT PREMATURE world security is through international

(SPECIAL TO. "CHINA MAIL") discussion.

Paris, To-day. Reports that Italian troops had crossed the French Mediterranean bor- der yesterday evening were officially stated to be premature.

War

Britain and France made it clear that they were ready to discuss any grievances Italy might submit. with Italy will be especially distres- "In his speech he first spoke of sing to the British people, but the the events of quite recent history. war will be not because of an Allied relations but These, he said, could be summarised threat to just Italian in the words 'Half promises,

because Italy's ruler has decided to stant threats and blackmail, and fin-help Hitler make himself master of ally the League siege of 52 states.' Europe. Reuter.

con-

"Mussolini forgot to mention the agreement between Britain and Ita-

ly on April 16, 1938, by which the

Italian Government acknowledged

Black-out Ordered

Rome, To-day.

The Italian War Minister ordered a

at the time that all outstanding dif-black-out of the whole country, be- ferences between the two countries ginning last night.—Reuter.

were liquidated, the status quo in the Mediterranean was recognised, machinery was provided for setting any future disputes.

evidence

no

"This is concrete

that the neither the British people nor British Government ever desired war

was with Italy, believing there essential point of conflict between them, or at any rate, one that could not be settled by pacific means.

Alone Responsible

to

-Italy's Forces

the

At the beginning of the year, Italian Army consisted of 25,024 of- ficers and 502,582 effectives.. There are 31 infantry divisions, but their personnel can be trebled quickly in time of war, so figures are mislead- ing. There are 114 infantry regiments (including 12 Bersaglieri, nine Alpine and one Tank) and 12 partly 'me- chanised cavalry regiments. The ar- tillery is organised in about 85 regi- ments.

The air force numbers about 4,500 machines, with almost 2,000 first- line aircraft and a personnel of 58,- 240 all ranks.

"The Allied Governments repeated- ly made plain their willingness act on this agreement freely made by difficulties Italy and to discuss any between them.

"Mussolini has deliberately chosen to tear up that agreement and plunge his country into war. He will alone be responsible for the misfortunes 12 5,000-7,500 ton cruisers and a few that this war will bring to Italy.

The Navy includes the new 35,000- ton battleship Littorio, recently put in- to service; two of 23,000 tons, recently modernised; seven 10,000-ton cruisers;

old ones; 12 modern and 6 old flotilla "As to the Duce's promise not to leaders; 44 modern destroyers; 32 mo- attack particular countries that he dern torpedo boats and 41 old torpedo named, the world dan judge to what extent his policy is purely opportun- ist and entirely without scruple.

"A promise solemnly made to-day will be broken, the moment it seems to ault his methods with hot more compunction” than Hitler showed when he invaded Denmark and Bel- glum in th

In the face of the most form- al promlace of non-aggressión.

craft.

Italy's submarine force, is the most powerful in the world. It includes 8 ocean-going, 36 medium, 48 small, 6 minelaying and 7 old submarines, Finally, there le a large number of motor Corpedo-boats,

gunboats and auxiliarias, The building programme at the be- ginning of the year included 2 35,000- "No country therefore is likely to ton battleships, 12 3,600 scout cruis- attach the least value to the assurers,

number of submarines;

and a

ances contained in Mussolini's speech while two old battleships were under- to-night!-Reuter.

going-reconstruction.

against Italy on behalf of the people of Canada.

Mr. Hanson, leader of the Opposi- tion, seconded.

In moving the resolution, the Pre- Italy mier said that knowing where stands has freed the hands of Bri- tain and France for more vigorous action.

Bird Of Prey

He added: "While the Allied world breathes hard it may truly be said it breathes more easily.

"During the past several months Mussolini has been like a carrion

bird of prey. We cannot stand Idly by in the face of this, new threat to Democracy." The Senate subsequently approved

and then the war resolution

ad- journed.-Reuter.

HAILE SELASSIE GOES TO LONDON

London, To-day. The Emperor of Abyssinia left his Bath home yesterday before the news of Italy's declaration of war was made known and later arrived in London, where he is staying at a West End It was pointed out that the state of hotel. No information is available war did not come into operation until regarding the purpose of his visit.

Reuter. one minute after midnight.-Havas.

FITTING COMPANIONS

Jockey

MIDWAY

Provides masculine support. No bulk, no bind, no aquirming. Six-Inch legs protect thighs when you sit all day. Easy to laun. der, needs no Ironing. Get yours now.

Jockey

CONTOURED SHIRTS

Made shorter in front to eliminate needless, bothersome bulk. Longer in

back .80

they cannot creep up.

Get one to go with

each Jockey Midway.

Originated and Manufactured by

Cooporna

THE SINCERE CO., LTD.

Jockey

✔ CRBRE-HATJUT 4.8

VITETI FINE NON DEVE

兽

9