Volume 7 1941~1945


Doc No.
Date
Subject

No. 306  NAI DFA Secretary's Files P12/331

Personal code telegram from William Warnock to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(No. 56)

BERLIN, 29 July 1943

All important newspapers prominently report Taoiseach's telegram to Pope regarding the bombing of Rome under heading 'De Valera Protests'2

Downfall of Mussolini undoubtedly came as complete surprise. Press states time not yet ripe for comment, and that Germany, confident of her own strength, is awaiting further developments. Badoglio's3 reference to continuance of war noted. The future will be decided, not by false prophets, but on the battlefield. British reports from Catania and Russia are quoted to show Germany's great power.

Mussolini affair has had profound effect for the moment on the people, and in private conversation obvious parallel is being drawn. It is said the Turks are pleased Anglo-Americans have possibility of entering the Balkans through country other than Turkey.

1 This document appears on file in two parts, the break between the parts is indicated by an ellipsis (…).

2 See No. 300.

3 Pietro Badoglio (1871-1956), soldier and politician, Prime Minister of Italy (1943-4).