DELIRIOUS JOY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 110, 11 May 1936, Page 7

DELIRIOUS JOY.

MUSSOLINI'S SPEECH. " Victory Remains Complete And Pure." ITALY NOW HAS HER EMPIRE. United Press Association. —Copyright. (Received 11.30 a.m.) , ROME, May 10. When Signor Mussolini delivered his address proclaiming the King of Italy as Emperor of Ethiopia he Avas accompanied by the Fascist Council, including Senatore Marconi, also by the Ambassadors and Ministers of the nations which have not imposed sanctions, whom he had invited to hear the proclamation. As II Duco advanced, the tumultuous cheering which previously had drowned the voices of members of the Council reached a crescendo of delirious joy. Signor Mussolini's speech was punctuated by enthusiastic applause. He said: "Officers, non-commissioned officers and men of all the armed forces in Africa and Italy, Black Shirts of the revolution, Italian men and women at home and in other parts of the world, hearken. With decisions which the Grand Council has approved a great event is accomplished. "Ethiopia's destiny is sealed to-day, May 9, in the 14tli year of the Fascist era. All knots have been severed by our shining sword. The African victory remains in the history of our country complete and pure, like the Legionaries who have fallen desired it to be. "Italv, at last, has her Empire— that Fascist Empire which bears the imperishable signs of the truth and power of Rome's emblem. It is an Empire of peace because Italy wants peace for herself and for all. "This is the goal to which for 14 years the eruptive energies of the young Italian generation have been disciplined and to which those of future generations will be directed. Italy only makes war when absolutely compelled to do so by the needs of existence. It is an Empire of civilisation and humanity for the Ethiopians because it is in the tradition of Rome, which after conquering them has associated the defeated people with her destiny.

"This is the law which closes one period of our history and opens another with an immense doorway for all future possibilities: — "(1) The territories and peoples belonging to the Empire of Abyssinia are placed under the full and entire sovereignty of Italy. "(2) The King of Italy assumes the title of Emperor of Ethiopia for himself and for his successors." The cheering was renewed as II Duce, after saluting, departed. Guns then fired fresh salvoes and the crowds flocked to the Quirinal to demonstrate before the new Emperor. Huge multi-coloured placards posted throughout Italy contain the text of Signor Mussolini's speech and a large portrait of II Duce. Signor Gayda, in "Giornale d'ltalia," writes: The new Roman Empire is not imperialist but one of workers.

FUTURE DESTINY. To Make Abyssinia Fruitful With Labour. BADOGLIO AS VICEROY. ROME, May 10. "The people of Italy have created an Empire with their blood. They will make it fruitful by their labour and will defend it against anyone," said Signor Mussolini, in his speech on the future destiny of Ethiopia. "In this supreme certainty," he continued, "Legionaries raise your banners and steel your hearts. Salute the reappearance after 15 centuries of an Empire on the hills of Rome. "Will you be worthy of it?" asked II Duce. A united shout of "si" (yes) rose from the assemblage. Signor Mussolini continued: "This cry resembles a sacred oath binding you before God and men for life and death. Black Shirts and Legionaries, salute your King." A gazette has been published containing a decree formally proclaiming Italian sovereignty over Abyssinia and vesting in King Victor Emmanuel the title of Emperor of Abyssinia. Marshal Badoglio is appointed Viceroy, and General Graziani is promoted to the rank of Marshal. All these edicts become effective immediately. The Fascist Council carried a resolution expressing the country's gratitude to II Duce as "the founder of the Empire." Generals Balbo and de Bono and other Fascist veterans _ crowded round Signor Mussolini and kissed him as he left the balcony. II Duce later appeared nine times in response to repeated acclamations. The crowds demonstrated far into the night.

AIRMAN ARRESTED. TRIED TO REACH ETHIOPIA. PARIS, May 10. The French airman, M. Drouillet, has returned to Paris. As Haile Silassie s aerial expert he eluded, the authorities at Villa Coublay and commenced a flight to Abyssinia last month, but made a forced landing in Italy. When the flyer alighted from his aeroplane, "endarmes approached him with a warrant. M. Drouillet's friends intervened, and a scuffle followed, after which the airman was arrested. Later he was released pending an investigation.

ITALY'S COLOSSUS. GIANT STATUE OF IL DTJCE. LONDON, May 10. The Rome correspondent of the British United Press says a foundry has been working secretly for many months oti a colossal statue of Signor Mussolini, only a lion s skin covering the torso. The figure will be 262 feet in height compared with the London Monument's height of 246 feet. Jhe statue is to be erected in the Mussolini Forum.