SOUTH TYROL.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19285, 14 April 1928, Page 8

SOUTH TYROL.

MUSSOLINI'S STRANGE SPEECH. AUSTRIAN COMPLAINTS. (raou otr* own coKßispo*B*rr.) LONDON, March 6. For four years, it appears, the Italians treated the South Tyrolese moderately well, and the latter re* sponded. There was 110 revolution, obstruction, or opopsition, and they had little complaint against their new masters. Then came the change; it is recorded in Signer Mussolini's own words:—

'•South Tyrol ... was entirely German. . . • everywhere nothing but German and German speech. 1 have set this right. On the Austrian frontier I have introduced a zone ot 30 kilometres within which only persons with a special permit may live. The Italian language is now obligatory throughout the country- . . . The land must become Italian."

Practically, this has meant and means to-day (writes the Vienna correspondent of the "Sunday Times") a series of oppressive measures, the mere titles of which would fill a column of a paiper. All German newspapers have been stopped; not only are there no State schools teaching in the native language, but even private schools aro forbidden to teach the children in that language. The singing of German songs is forbidden, and hundreds of persons hare been arrested and deported for offences against these regulations Every one of the liberties of minorities is denied to the South Tyrolese. Compulsory Italianisation has been carried even as far as the family names of Tyrolese citizens and the .tombstones in the cemeteries. South Tyrol is to-day the most tragic corner of Europe Those of the population left free to-day in North Tyrol do not ask that anyone should break a lance for them —they have long ceased to hope for that. But they are determined not to allow themselves to be muzzled by another 'Country from troubling from time to time in their own Parliament the tonscience of those who dislike to be reminded of a grave injustice.

Acts, Not Words. Bearing these statements in mind, one may read with the greater interest Mussolini's strange speech in reply to certain complaints which had been made in the Austrian Parliament regarding the treatment meted out to Austrian nationals in the provinces lost by Austria in the war. Meeting the Austrian contention that the rights of these nationals to_ retain their own language and to enjoy reasonable treatment in general is guaranteed by the peace treaties, the Italian Dictator replies brusquely that the Fascist Government is not bound by the ,action of its non-Fascist predecessors. Signor Mussolini began his speech by declaring that there was no Hannibal at the gates, nor even Mfrr. Seipel (the Austrian Chancellor). He had at first hesitated whether to reply at all to the speeches -in the Austrian Parliament, but had .been compelled to do so bv the 1 intervention in the debate of tie Austrian Chancellor, in many respects an eminent man. _ However, he hastened to add: "This is the last occasion upon which I shall speak on this'subject. The next time acts will take the place of words." Signor Mussolini then went on to the mam theme of his speech, which was designed to prove that the Austrian complaints were not only not justified, but were aleo provocative. If he now cited examples of generosity towards Austria he did so'' in order that the world at large might once for all know the true facts. Not an International Question. Signor Mussolini proceeded to. quote instances where Italy had dealt generously with the Austrians. He then denied the existence of any interna/tional ' aspects of the Upper Adige question, which was not _ referred to in the Peace Treaty or diplomatic instruments. The, Austrians claimed that certain promises and assurances had been given by pre-Fascist Governments. That might be. "But it is possible that those who made these statements have repented later in view of the arrogant interpretation of certain promises." In any case, the Fascist Government would not necessarily feel bound to observe all : these vaeue and verbal assurances given by men representing systems and governments which the Fascist Revolution had suppressed. He rejected in strong terms the charges of Fascist tyranny, and declared that Italy was not the pupil of an Austria "whidh fqp a century had filled the territories of halt Europe with executioners, filled -- I ©. prisons with martyrs, and set up gallows without any interruption." The 'absurdity of such charges was proved :by the existence of 15 newspapers printed in German, but Signor Mussolini gave definite warning that they would be suppressed unless the campaign of calumny ceased. Further, there were still 1040 non-Italian speaking officials in the province of Bolzano (the Upper Adige). As this was not appreciated, these men would be made to choose between either a transfer to another part of Italy or else dismissal from the service.

Appeal to Geneva, Signor Mussolini argued that much of the agitation was purely artificial, and that the general population was happy to live under Italy and the Fascist regime. The Government had spent vast sums of money in various enterprises undertaken for the purposes of improving the moral and material welfare of the people.. The shrieks from the Germans must be regarded as a proof that they realised that the game had been lost. An appeal to Geneva was out of the question, since if once the problem of minorities were raised the Lenorue of Nations would never come to the end of it,, and the plaintiff of to-day would become the defendant of to-morrow. It was time to declare that insolent speeches, odious insinuations, and vulgar insults had only one resultnamely, to make the Fascists put on the screw still "more firmly, and to drive a wedge between neighbouring peoples. Italy wished to remain on good terms with the German people on condition that her security was in no way threatened.