MUSSOLINI’S SPEECH

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22367, 2 April 1938, Page 15

MUSSOLINI’S SPEECH

Fascists Pleased By Effect Abroad

“ITALY THREATENS

NOBODY”

War Preparedness

Explained

(PUTTED tress association—copyright.)

(Received April 1, 10 p.m.)

LONDON, April 1

The Rome correspondent of “The Times” says that the Fascist press Is satisfied with the effect of Signor Mussolini’s speech abroad. Replying to a question; “Against whom is this array of force aimed?” Dr. V. Gayda states: “Fascist Italy threatens nobody. She merely wishes to protect her rights and to ensure that her voice is heard equally with that of any other great Power when the affairs of the world are being discussed.”

The “Manchester Guardian” considers that the speech is a warning to France not to intervene while General Franco finishes off the Loyalists, and a reminder to Mr Chamberlain that Italian intervention in Spain must not be allowed to interfere with the British and Italian conversations. Sentences, as for instance, “Certain passes are being hermetically sealed and the whole great circle of the Alps will be impassable,” suggest a warning to Germany not to presume too far on the famous Rome-Berlin axis.

Reference t( Zero Hour

The Rome correspondent of the British United Press states that Fascist circles are frankly puzzled by Signor Mussolini’s pointed references to a third campaign, second thoughts admittedly giving his wofds a more sinister ring. Fascists confess that the speech reveals serious preoccupation and the possibility of a European war. Foreign diplomats place heavy emphasis on the following reference to defence against bombing: “All able to organise their existence in the smaller cities and towns throughout the country would do well to carry it out now, and not wait for zero hour. If something happens to-morrow, everything interfering with mobilisation will be fo.'bidden, which will be so much worse for the negligent and tardy.” Observers interpret this grave warning as an indication that Signor Mussolini considers that the zero hour is approaching. In Rome, Signor Mussolini’s reference to a third campaign is generally accepted to mean a warning of stringent measures to suppress the enemies of Fascism at home and abroad.

The “Gazetta del Popolo” states: “During the last few days Britain and France have shown that there are people who mean to start a war against Fascism. Very well. Fascism has uttered a warning through the mouth of II *Duce.” The Australian Associated Press states that, whatever is behind Signor Mussolini’s speech, official quarters in London state that they do not see that it has the slightest bearing on the British and Italian ne'gotiations. On the contrary, these are progressing faster than was anticipated. Signor Mussolini’s claim to his ability to mobilise 9,000,000 troops is thought to be a reminder to the Germans on the Brenner Pass, and simultaneously for Herr Hitler’s consumption before he arrives in Rome oh May 2.

HITLER’S GREETINGS TO

MUSSOLINI

WISHES FOR GREATNESS OF

FASCIST ITALY

(Received April 1, 5.5 p.m.)

BERLIN, March 31,

Herr Hitler has telegraphed to Signor Mussolini extending sincere greetings on his appointment as Marshal of the Empire and adding his wishes for the greatness of Fascist Italy. •