FASCIST GRAND COUNCIL

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 303, 22 September 1928, Page 9

FASCIST GRAND COUNCIL

THE SUPREME POWER IN ITALY FINAL COURT OF APPEAL ON ALL QUESTIONS INCLUDING SUCCESSION TO THRONE The Facist Grand Council adopted a measure governing its constitution, and vesting it with supreme power in Italy. The Council must be consulted on all constitutional measures, including Bills relating to the succession to the Throne, and the King’s and Premier's powers. (Uuited Press Association,— By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) Rome, September 20. The Fascist Grand Council, Signor Mussolini presiding, adopted a measure governing its constitution. The Council will be the supreme organ of the Fascist regime and the Government, co-ordinating the activities of both, and will sit secretly. Its members, including the leaders of the Government Fascist Barty, will be unpaid and immune from arrest. Criminal proceedings can only be taken with the Council’s consent. The Grand Council's decisions were adopted after a night-long discussion. ’The main decision vests supreme power in Italy in the Council itself, which will be* the final Court of Appeal on all questions, including the interpretation of the law. The Council must be consulted ou all constitutional measures, including Bills relating to the succession to the Throne, the Kings and Premier’s powers; the composition and attributes of the Grand Council, the Senate, and the Chamber; relations of the State and the Catholic Church: the Government’s responsibilities regarding the regulation of syndicalist activities and treaties involving a modification of Italian territory. Moreover, the Council will maintain lists of names for submission to the King in the event of vacancies in the Premiership and Cabinet. It will also'examine lists of Parliamentary deputies. The President of the Council will be the Premier. Its members will include the Presidents of the Semite and the Chamber and members of Cabinets, the Chief of the General Staff of the Fascist Militia, the Presidents of the Confederations of Labour, Agricull uro. and Industry, former Secretaries of the Fascist Party, and others who have served their country well or arc qualified to speak on subjects under discussion. The meeting concluded with cheers for the Duce.