CHANGE OF ATTITUDE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 62, 24 December 1935, Page 5

CHANGE OF ATTITUDE.

FRENCH PRESS AND MUSSOLINI. FORMER SUPPORTERS’ ATTACK. PARIS December 23. The Press, including his former defenders, shows a changed attitude to Signor Mussolini. The newspaper “L’Ordre” says: “A few weeks ago we feared Mussolini’s fall; now we wish for it. The world’s fate is at the mercy of a dictator of whom even his friends say privately that he is losing his reason.” “J.e Figaro” charges II Duce with ingratitude toward France, and says France will do nothing further to help him. “La Vietoire” declares r “Like all dictators, Mussolini is intoxicated with his internal success and omnipotence. His mental state is that of Napoleon on the eve of war with Spain and the equally mad Russian campaign. He is in a condition of hypnosis like that of the Kaiser and German general staff in 1914.” “L’Oeuvre” counsels non-interfer-ence, believing that the Abyssinian soldiers, mountains, and desert heat will perhaps end the adventure. Another writer prophesies that, left alone with Abyssinia, 'Mussolini will suffer a check, his means being inadequate to attain his end. The final issue of the adventure, the burden of which he cannot long support, will be fruitless.