MUSSOLINI AND HIS TASK

Evening Star, Issue 20636, 8 November 1930, Page 20

MUSSOLINI AND HIS TASK

A SPECIAL INTERVIEW . My appointment witli 11. Dace was fixed far 6 o’clock in the evening (writes Major E. W. Polson-Newman, in the ‘ Observer ’). Shortly before the appointed time I drove up to the Palazzo Yenezia, presented my permit, without which entry to the closelyguarded precincts is impossible, and was escorted up an ancient and slippery stone staircase to the ante-cham-ber of 11 Capo del Governo. At a few minutes to the hour I was seated in a heavy oak chair, the only occupant of this dimly-lighted apartment of the ancient Roman palace. A heavy silence pervaded the building, and the harsh booting of the Rome taxis seemed miles away. A smartly-uniformed official opened a small door to look in, and then closed it again. The whole setting was heavily impressive. Sharp at 6 o’clock the double doors were thrown open, and I was ushered through a spacious council chamber to a door held (men by another official. Suddenly X found myself on a vast marble floor, at'.the far end of which—-about twenty yards away—sat Mussolini nlono at his writing desk. I knew of this form of reception, and so was prepared for it, but I was not prepared for the very kind and human attitude of the brilliant leader of tbe Italian nation.

During the private part of our conversation Mussolini showed a keen in.-, terest and detailed knowledge of every subject raised, and whenever I mentioned the name of a mutual friend or any subject of special interest to him his eyes lit up. There was none of the fierce autocrat in the man to whom I sat opposite. Although his statements were pronouncements of a roan of power, and his expression was ono almost of inspiration, he often relapsed into simple humour and showed his love for human nature. The following is the text of the interview which Signor Mussolini then gave me, and authorised for publication, taking the trouble to sign each page separately:— ‘‘ You ask whether my task is completed. It is making good progress, but I have not fully carried out what I undertook to do. I intend to remain at my post until my task shall be fulfilled, and, if necessary, until my last breath.

“ The Fascist system, which has been in force for eight years, is such that a place has to be found for every small section of the population. Every pro fession and trade must have its own particular niche, so that each may contribute the maximum amount of energy to the power and efficiency of the Stale. This means the co-ordination of culture, industry, finance, national defence, agriculture, public health, and a, host of other State activities. It means the realisation of all the human energy composing the life of the nation. All this takes time to achieve, and it must have my own personal supervision.

TRANSFORMATION OF ITALY. “ For the completion of the remainder of my task Italy must have peace in which to carry out the all-important work of internal progress. In many directions great work lias already been done, and is being done, to increase the cultivable areas of the country, in providing electrical energy to re place tho absence of, coal in Italy, and to. improve communications. Towards these ends the resources of meu are being utilised to the fullest extent. All over Italy marshes and swamps which hitherto were centres of malaria, are being drained and made fit for the cultivation of crops. The results of this so-called bouifica policy in tho last few years have been most remarkable. Electrical power for transport, irrigation, and other purposes is being generated by a vast organisation of power stations in tho fastnesses of the Alps, while use is even being made of underground sources of heat In certain districts near Venice. The annual crops are increasing year by year owing to the loyalty and industry of the Italian people, so that I taly is becoming more self-sup-porting and can provide more and more employment for her increasing population. The country must be made as fertile as it can be made, it must yield tho maximum crops, and it must iced and employ the maximum number of people. Nothing less will satisfy mo in this direction. “ For tho internal progress vital to the welfare of the nation peace is absolutely essential, although the geographical position of Italy makes it necessary that Italians should be prepared to defend their country against such potential enemies as exist to east and west. But Italy wishes to bo on the best terms with all her neighbours. Even with the Australians, who-wore among our bitterest enemies, we are now on the most friendly terms. Our enmity has been obliterated, and our differences no longer exist. There has been much talk in many countries of, the aggressive designs of Italy and ner imperialistic aims for tho future. Those who give expression to such ideas merely show how little they appreciate Italy’s vital needs and the policy which it is essential that I should follow. Tho prestige of Italy and her position ip the world have improved very considerably in recent years, but 1 hope to see a further improvement in this respect. Yet, to accomplish our object, we must have peace. “ Those who oppose Fascism do so because the means which I employ to achieve my purpose are at variance with their Liberal or Socialistic creeds. They condemn my methods, but they shut their eyes to the results achieved in the last eight years. My policy is not aggressive, and you have my authority to. tell the people in England and elsewhere that 1 want peace above all things. “You ask whether I ever get tired. No, I cannot say that I ever do; but I so arrange my work that there is constant variation of subject, and 1 have to deal with so many subjects that one kind of work provides relief and recreation from the others. Then, 1 take a good deal of outdoor exercise. Every day 1 go riding, and t play football at homo with my.boys,’’- , .