A CHANGED ITALY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 259, 1 November 1932, Page 7

A CHANGED ITALY.

Amazing Results of Fascist Regime. SPIRIT OF MUSSOLINI. LONDON, October 27. "Fascism has changed the face of Italj," says the Rome correspondent of "The Times," reviewing its results after 10 years of ite operation. Land has been reclaimed, farming has been modernised, imports of grain have almost been eliminated, roads have been improved, and town-planning in Rome and other cities has created splendid new areas, revealing architectural beauties. Afforestation has reclothed the hills; water has been brought to arid districts } harbours have been enlarged and reequipped. Whatever Fascism's defects, these results, he eays, could not have been achieved but for the new spirit which Signor Mussolini has breathed into his countrymen. Nevertheless Fascism has a strangle "rip upon the central and local government, the judicature, the Civil Service, and the newspapers, which are merely the Fascists' mouthpieces. The Pope was right when, in last year'e encyclical, he taunted the Government with compelling Italians to pose as Fascists in order to eave their skins and earn their daily bread. His Burning Patriotism. Mussolini has failed to convince the older Italians, who, however, remain silent owing to the espionage; but he has monopolised the education of the younger generation by various organisation*, including the militia; resulting in their acceptance of and obedience to Fascism as something normal. He has also encouraged sport, producing Italy's Olympic 'successes at Los Angeles. Moreover, Muesolini has inculcated his. own burning patriotism into the nation as a whole, until now Italy is included among, the great Powers., In a leading article, "The Times" emphasises that while Fascism has cost Italy its political liberty, ite authority springing not from the people but from one man; that man has kept a level head. In unchallenged authority, Mussolini's greatness has shown an.increased moderation and willingness to co-operate with the Powers, if their plans are. calculated to promote the common good.