ITALIAN PRESS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 15, 12 October 1928, Page 11

ITALIAN PRESS

“FREEST IN THE WORLD ’

DECLARES MUSSOLINI LIKE AN ORCHESTRA—MUST PLAY THE SAME NOTE (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) (Rec. October 11,10.10 p.m.) Koine, October 11* Addressing seventy directors of the Fascist daily newspapers, Signor Mussolini claimed that the Italian Press was the freest in the world, tlie explanation of which, he said, was that in an all-embracing regime, the Press must not be a stranger to the general unity, therefore it avoids what is harmful and goes for what is useful for the regime. Tlie newspapers in other countries, under orders from tlie plutocratic party or groups, reduced to the necessity of buying or selling exciting news, were getting into the hands of a restricted number of persons, who regarded them as a trade, like iron and leather. Italian journalism, on the other hand, was free, because it served the regime. It had no need to await orders, because it received orders from its own conscience. The Fascist Press was like an orchestra playing the same note of its own accord.

Signor Mussolini proceeded to tell the journalists that their task would become more important in a few months, when the Italian people would be called upon to vote at the elections and demonstrate to the world their full concurrence in the regime. It was necessary to prepare this great demonstration, and the newspapers had the moans for doing so worthily.