ITALIAN PRESS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 71, 6 January 1936, Page 3

ITALIAN PRESS

SECRET INSTRUCTIONS. TOLD WHAT TO PUBLISH. As in Germany, so in Italy, all the Press must take its orders from the Ministry for tho Fresp and Propaganda. Examples of the secret instructions issued to the German Press have been published in the "Manchester Guardian," which now gives a similar series issued to the Italian Press during October. They are taken from the version given in English in "Gmstizia e Liberta," an Italian anti-Fascist paper printed in Paris, which claims to guarantee their authenticity. This claim can in part be justified by reference to the Italian Press of the days following the instructions. Not only were the general lines followed but the details were also scrupulously obeyed. For instance, the words of Signer Mussolini's speech were given in the amended form, and the telegram from tho rabbit-breeders and poultry-farm-ers was duly mentioned.. Most of the instructions acquire no explanation. Count Ciano, mentioned under October 26, is Mussolini's son-in-law and Minister of Propaganda, -tie is at present with the Italian forces in Abyssinia as commander of an air squadron (the "Disperata"), and naturally has been given wide publicity in the messages of the various correspondents. Apparently Mussolini, who is always jealous of subordinates, believes Count Ciano is becoming too popular. The last instruction is put as a request only, and it is interesting that "11 Popolo d'ltalia," the most official .of all the papers, owned by Signor Mussolini's family, did not leprint all the articlos mentioned October 23.-fto comment to be made on Sir S. Hoare's speech Comment to be made on the repoit on Italian films. Importance to be given to the Stefani communique on the attitude of Brazil toward sanctions. Insist on the news of the Home Agency about France and sanctions. October 24.—N0 more notice to be taken of the speeches of Hoare, Eden, and Baldwin. Interest to be uiken in the Commemoration of Giacomo Boni by Count San Martino in I ans to-morrow. October 26.—A1l newspapers to give an important place to the publication of the list of Fascist improvements carried out during the year XIII. Attenuate the tone of the correspondence from Asmara, where Count Ciano is concerned, especially the headlines. With regard to the previous disposition, insist no longer, especially in the headlines, on the actions of the ' disperata" squadron. In Mussolini's speech, third paragraph, in the sentence ". . . . never as to-day does the Italian people, etc. , . . » cancel the word "profound, which follows the word "justice." In the message to the Blackslnrts, in the sentence beginning "Legionaries of the involution . . ~" the words "you must" are to be changed to "you will"; the "you must" which follows shortly after, to be changed to -'you can." October 29.—An attitude of reserve to be maintained with regard to England, and also with regard to France and Germany. Great importance to be given, on the other hand, to our home activities. Insist on the inauguration of public works, especially the inauguration of the University Buildings. Give much space to the communiques on the limitation and economy in the consumption of goods, insisting on the fact that Fascist Italy replies to the iniquitous sanctions with a spirit of abnegation and sacrifice. Insist on tho fact that ration-cards will not be necessary for bread, because, thanks to the wheat battle, we have all the wheat we need. Give importance to the inauguration of the theatrical year which will take place in Rome, Turin and Milan. Give importance to the widening of the "Via delle Uotteghe Basse." October 31.—Comment on the tele gram sent to the Duce by the rabbitbreeders and poultry-farmers. Dedicate the whole of the first page to the inauguration ceremony of the University Buildings. In a very emotional tone. (Sensibilizzare molto.) Comment on the Duce's speech. With regard to the answer of the United States Government to the League of Nations, it is considered opportune for the comments of the Italian Press to be, generally speaking, in harmony with the recent substantial confirmation of the neutrality of the United States, and, on the other hand, that it should insist on the illusions which may arise once more for the preservation of peace in Europe from the indirect encouragement of the action of the League of Nations contained in the Note to tho Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the United States.

Comment with the greatest reserve, without expressions revealing satisfaction for the American answer to Geneva. It is desired that papers should reproduce from the last page of yesterday evening's "Lavoro Fascista" the correspondence from New York entitled "Instructive Statistics"; and from yesterday evening's "Cornere della Sera," either wholly or in part, the two articles entitled "Amusing Sanctions" and "The Defence."