Nov. 29.
Mr, Leslie Here-Belisha, former Secretary of State for War in the British Cabinet, was ight on the mark when he urged the Govern: ment to "knock Moly out of the war." The same idea had doubtless occurred to the! Imperial General Staff within 1 few minutes of Italy's entry into the war. since it was obvious that the weakest point of the Axis Tay in that direction. In addition to being divided ayainst itself, the Ttalian people is hot possessed of the stamina necessary. t stand up to the terrible sufferings which follow in the track of modern warfare.
'Abe failure of Mussolini's so-called "reyeneration of the Italians has proved, if the debacle in Greece ix anything to no by, an entirely different breed will be needed' before there can be any pretentious to buitding up in these times an empire resembling that which Rome possessed of old and which did so much to civilize and educate the vest of the world. At the present moment, Ttaly has sustained severe reverse in Albania, and her fleet has been virtually crippled by the British raid on Taranto, Neither event in itself is sufficient to enable the Allies to claim that Moly has been beaten, that the country is no longer of much account in the conflict. But both of them have considerably sapped the strength of the weaker Axis partner and eft her open to further and amore telling lows, if they can be delivered immediately.
Of more interest than the obvious fact that ttaly is at present wide open to what might well he decisive attacks, are Mr. Hore-Belishu's reasons for advocating such attacks.
frankly smite the being caused by depredations mercantile. shippin the Germans, it may be suppose extent by the Italians also. The figures: of shipping losses quoted by Mr. Here-Belisha are considerably higher than those officially admitted, which there is no reason to doubt. But even the Jatler show that a serious situation exists, fund one which Is for immediate and drastic notion for its remedy The realization of this fact is behind the orders for more ships given to American dockyards tempts to purchase Ame tile vessels. So lone the United States Neutrality Act interven American bottoms tu wes, it is impossible for nods purchased rs them however, it is ne natives, one of which would be a knock-out blow to Taly sequent release of a Tare part of for the safe. uaedin naels of commerce. usual ha
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.