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

The feeling still prevails in Italy that the Duce will be able to keep the country out of war. Some high military officers are of this opinion and it is generally believed that he has exercised a restraining influence on the Fuehrer. The Italian army is not pro-German and it is believed that a number of Generals have warned the Duce of the serious consequences that would follow if German generals were placed in commands over them. It is also stated on good authority that the most outstanding of the Italian army chiefs warned the Duce that Italian armaments were so inferior to modern requirements that it would be suicide to go to war. Perhaps it is for these reasons that Italy has not so far ordered a general mobilisation. The two classes recently called up got nine days notice as they will only join their units on next Monday. Some of these previously called up are in barracks, but have not yet been supplied with uniforms.

On the surface everything in Rome appeared normal until yesterday. There is no excitement. Crowds gather, however, around the Stores having loud speakers to hear the latest news. At seven o'clock every evening many go to the Piazza Venezia in the expectation of hearing a peace announcement from the Duce.

Last night we had a complete black out. The electricity supply to private houses was also cut off. From Sunday no private motor cars can run and from the same date the sale of coffee will be forbidden. Restaurants, Cafés, Cinemas, etc. are to close at 11 p.m. and food restrictions have been imposed. Circulars have been distributed to homes asking for information as to the qualifications for work of all women between the age of 14 and 70. Women and children and old persons are invited to leave the large cities and go to the country.

As a result of these regulations and precautions the people are being gradually accustomed to war conditions so that in case of general mobilisation everything will work smoothly.