The Two Italys
The liberation of northern Italy, as had been foreseen, instantly brought to the fore vigorous political elements very different from those which have stood behind the Rome Government. The parti- sans of northern Italy, with the Committee of National Liberation directing them, were already a powerful element to be reckoned with before the Germans were ejected, and at the end played a great part in hastening the German collapse. When Milan was freed the northern Committee at once began to consider the changes that should be made in the Rome Government, and the installation of men who had carried on the fight against Fascism. The temper in the north is more emphatically anti-Fascist and of the Left, and in the main is Republican. The movement there looks askance at the Monarchy and the retention of Prince Humbert as Lieutenant- General, and the personnel of the high officers serving in the Italian Army. Representatives from the north with plenary powers have already gone to Rome to consult with the leaders of the six parties who form the Central Committee of the South, and have been dis- cussing the question of the substitution of another leader for Signor Bonomi ; but, so far, the Socialist and Action Party leaders have not pressed for the removal of Prince Humbert as Lieutenant. General in the period pending the election of a constituent assembly. The idea appears to be prevalent that British influence is on the side of the retention of the monarchy. Our position ought to be made perfectly clear: that we oppose Fascism, but that apart from that we desire to see an orderly administration in the interim period followed by the free choice of the people at a general election.
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