END OF FASCISM

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 247, 29 July 1943, Page 3

END OF FASCISM

SCANDALOUS SCENES ENACTED. VERY BITTER RECRIMINATIONS DITCE AND SON-IN-LAW. (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, July 2S. Mussolini was in tears at a meeting of the Grand Council on Saturday night, according to the Exchange Telegraph correspondent at Zurich, who states that from reports from Italy and other reliable sources the situation in Italy may he summed up as follows: Marshal Badoglio, with the consent of the King organised on Saturday considerable movements of troops and led officers loyal to him in order to remove the Fascist regime in case Mussolini refused to surrender the powers of himself and his party. Marshal Badoglio in the same day gathered in Rome politicians of all parties, industrialists, hankers and intellectuals.

During the meeting of the Grand Council on Saturday night Grandi attacked the Duce with extreme bitterness assisted by Count Ciano (his son-in-law), and others. Mussolini was supported only by Scorza and three others. The meeting ended in scandalous scenes, one after another scolding and blaming others. Mussolini, deadly pale, with tears in his eyes, called Count Ciano an infamous traitor. Thus the Fascist regime ended.

Mussolini early on Sunday saw the King and announced his resignation. He stressed the fact that he had been compelled to resign by military force.

. The Swiss radio says that Marshal Badoglio’s Government has decided to apply martial law less strictly. Disturbances are reported from Turin and Genoa and other towns, but in general the Army has the situation completely under control. Shooting between Black Shirts and the Army occurred in Milan yesterday.’ The Fascists barricaded themselves in the party offices and buildings and refused to comply with orders to surrender. The Army occupied most of -the Fascist buildings, but the Fascists are still bolding out in one.