Extract from a confidential report from Michael MacWhite to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(Confidential)

Notwithstanding the seriousness of the international situation provoked by the annexation of Bohemia and Moravia to the Reich¹ the Italian public, outwardly, show little emotion. Under the surface, however, the majority of them give expression to anti-German sentiment. In northern Italy, this is particularly pronounced.

Despite pretence to the contrary it is believed in well-informed circles here that the Duce had only post factum information on Hitler's designs on Czechoslovakia. Because of this apparent lack of candour he sent no message of congratulations to Berlin such as he forwarded to Budapest, nevertheless, on Wednesday morning, the Fascist Grand Council reaffirmed the solidarity of the partners in the Rome-Berlin axis. On Monday all Italian reservists between the ages of 32 and 39 were called to the colours. Heretofore, on occasions of alert, only the unemployed were drafted, but a more serious view was evidently taken of the present crisis. It has been asserted on good authority that the bulk of these troops were diverted towards Trentino rather than towards Piedmont as one might be inclined to conclude. If true, this is significant.

[matter omitted]