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SOUTH - AFRICA
At War With Italy
CAPE TOWN. June 12.
' A South African broadcast,
' announcing war against Italy,
declared that Italian intervention
in the war directly menaced the
immediate security of South
Africa.
Italy's action did not surprise the
Government because Slgnor . Musso
lini's. African policy was aligned with
the German aim to create a great
empire in Africa, in which Slgnor
MMssolini hopes to share.
"Doubters can now see who is the
ene'my," the announcement said. "The
duty of the South Africans Is to unite
in defending their country ugalnst
grave dangers that threaten from the
north." ,
The authorities seised the Italian
vessel, Slsttana, lying in Table Bay.
Two other Italian snips, the Erusa-
lemme and Tlmavo, which left Durban
on 'Monday, were deliberately run
aground oil the African coast when
sighted by an armed merchant cruiser
and South African Air Force planes.
The Pacific Press states that the
Prime Minister. General Smuts, broad
cast an announcement thnt the Gov
ernment had issued a proclamation
severing diplomatic relations with
Italy, whose declaration brought the
war nearer to South Africa. He made
it clear tiint they were fighting an
enemy whose nims were world domin
ation, including North. Central and
South Africa.
"We have been preparing." he said,
"but there is much to be done."
An Italian cargo steamer was seiz
ed at Cape Town. Official Catholic
opinion is bitterly opposed to Slgnor
Mussolini's action.
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