MUSSOLINI’S CONFIDENCE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 101, 10 February 1936, Page 5

MUSSOLINI’S CONFIDENCE.

ATTACK ON BRITAIN’S POLICY. ALLEGED FAILURE OF SANCTIONS LONDON, February 9. Sir Arnold Wilson, M.P., describing in the “Observer” an interview with Signor Mussolini, says that h« looked tired, but robust. He discounts stories of the Duce’s impending decay and death, and emphasises (Signor Mussolini’s pride and confidence in the military position in Abyssinia. Replying to a question about whether Sir Samuel Hoare’s and M. Laval’s proposals were a suitable basis for negotiation, Signor Mussolini said: “I had already drafted a cautious formula of acceptance when Sir Samuel Hoare was ignominiously dismissed, resulting in much blood being needlessly shecl and more treasure expended. Thus the gentlemen in London prolonged the war and must accept the responsibility for it.

“The British people should realise that their present attitude condemns all that is greatest in their history. Are you really ashamed that you seized the great areas which you hold as beneficiaries and trustees for tho inhabitants and the world generally? Are not the Italians paying yon the highest in imitating Cecil Rhodes and General Gordon?” Replying to a question whether Italian trade will return to As former channels after sanctions are lifted, Signor Mussolini declared: “Italy has spent too much on exploiting her own resources for that.” Sir Arnold Wilson says: “/Sanctions have failed. Food in Italy has not risen more chan in Britain since August; the cost of other commodities has increased by from 10 to 15 per cent. Austrian and German foods are generally replacing British The feeling is less strong against France.”