RADIO WAR

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22305, 20 January 1938, Page 8

RADIO WAR

TO TUB BUITOB OB THE I’BBSS. Sir, —A good deal has appeared in the news about the “radio war’’ between Britain and Italy, now that the British authorities have taken to broadcasting in Arabic. For some time back I have listened to the Arabic broadcasts through 2RO, Rome. These consisted of one or two Arabic musical items and news, and were certainly interesting to students of Arabic, quite apart from any political issue or propaganda stunts. It must be admitted that this enterprise was a shrewd move on Italy’s part, and it seems strange that the British authorities did not do the same long ago. Last September I wrote to Rome suggesting that recitations of passages from the Koran be broadcast, and I received a reply to the effect that my suggestions were receiving attention. Not only would this have an educative value, especially as regards the pronunciation of the classical Arabic of the Koran, but it would be certain to appeal to the religious feelings of the Mohammedans. The British Broadcasting Corporation’s Arabic speaker now announces that Koranic chants or recitations are being given over the air, as well as other Arabic literary items. Not only do the Italian authorities broadcast in Arabic, but they reinforce this by the dissemination of Arabic literature. The Rome station forwarded me some publications in Arabic giving accounts of Fascism, etc. These are intended to inform and influence the Arab population. One ot these publications of special interest is “Rihla Mussolini ila Libya’’ (Mussolini’s visit to Libya). This contains illustrations and a short account of the Duce’s tour of that country—a tour conducted with the befitting pomp of modern Caesar! A striking picture shows Mussolini visiting one of the Roman ruins in Libya, and one can well imagine the Duce being imbued with the spirit of ancient Imperial Rome’s might and glory. Some other pictures show the Duce riding in a most imposing manner on a charger; also reviewing native troops; receiving the Fascist salute from a sheikh amidst rejoicing and shouting ot the multitude; leaving a mosque with a distinguished kadi or judge; and such-like. Wallah, Mussolini certainly plays the part!— Yours, etc., 8.A.8. Wellington, January 15, 1938.