GRAVE CRISIS FEARED

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 130, 29 November 1919, Page 7

GRAVE CRISIS FEARED

SOCIALIST ELEMENT IN ITALY

RUMOURS THAT KING MAY

ABDICATE

TALK OF DISORDERS AT OPENING

OF PARLIAMENT.

(.SITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COP-RIQIIT.)

(REUTERS TELEGRAM.)

(Received November 29, 9.30 a.m.)

ROME, 25th November

As the result of the Socialist victory at the elections a grave crisis is feared, involving not only the Cabinet but the ruling House. The new Socialist elements are animated by revolutionary sentiments and favour the Maximalist policy, which will inevitably lead to Bolshevism. This section is almost certain to command the party, as they number 150 out of n total of 550 deputies.

There is talk of disorder at the opening of Parliament to prevent the King being heard, and even insulting and attacking the King.

It is contended in some quarters that such a demonstration would clear the air by rousing the voters from the apathy to which the Socialists owe their triumph.

It is suggested on the other hand that the King will abdicate in favour of the Duke of Aosta, who is most popular owing to his brilliant leadership of the Third Army.

(Received November 29, 9 a.m.)

LONDON, 25th November

The Morning Post's correspondent at Rome states that although rumours are prevalent suggesting that the King may abdicate owing to the threatening attitude of the Socialists, it is generally believed that the King will not stoop to such a weak-kneed course. It is even suggested that the King will refrain from appearing at the opening of Parliament, because the Socialists, who while an insignificant party refrained from attending, now declare that they will take the opportunity of hissing His Majesty and preventing the Speech from the Throne, and hint at injury to the King either going to or returning from Parliament.

While a political crisis is possible, following the increased representation of the Socialists as the result of the apathy of the middle classes at the elections, it is expected that Signor Nitti (the Premier) with the considerable Catholic support, will be able, in spite of his small majority, to retain the reins.