Confidential report from Michael MacWhite to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)¹
(Confidential) (Copy)

The feeling throughout Italy was not nearly so tense during the Sudeten troubles in September as it has been during the last fortnight. Everybody here seems obsessed by a foreboding of danger without having any very precise idea of the form it may take. Six classes of reservists and a number of aviation and artillery experts - about 800,000 men - have been called to the colours and it is a well established fact that most of them have been sent to Yugoslav and former Austrian frontiers, as if the danger was anticipated from that direction. The schools along the Italian side of the German border have been closed and two large monasteries were evacuated by the monks to make way for the troops. In the north eastern districts of Italy there is intense military activity which would seem to confirm the oft repeated rumour that the Dictators have little confidence in one another.

Another significant fact about the Italian mobilisation is that many of the reservists who have been called up are still at the local barracks sleeping practically in the open while waiting for uniforms and equipment. From this it would appear that Italy is not ready for war. Notwithstanding the daily affirmations in regard to the solidarity of the Rome-Berlin axis I have come to the conclusion that in case of a European war Italy will avoid fighting. She may play a make believe game up to the last minute before asserting her neutrality. In fighting a battle for right and justice any country has a powerful unseen auxiliary. On the other hand, fighting a war of aggression in which one has but little faith is to court defeat and disaster. Nobody knows better than the Duce that if Hitler goes down Fascism is likewise doomed. growing indifferent to Fascism and the things it stood for. The answer was naturally a deafening 'no'. An appeal of this kind is begging the question and goes to show that his self confidence is on the wane. He is wearing a troubled look these days. Fascism is likely to last as long as he does but it is aging fast and scepticism increases with old age.