Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, MAY 7th., 1936. MUSSOLIN'S SPEECHES.

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 May 1936, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, MAY 7th., 1936. MUSSOLIN'S SPEECHES.

TITTLE exception can be taken to Mussolini’s public utterances, following the Italian army’s entry into Addis Ababa. He has indulged in greater heroics on much less important occasions. It was Io be expected that he and the Italian nation would thrill with pride at the successful outcome of the Abyssinian campaign, but the Duee did not rattle the sabre during his speech to the crowds in Rome, celebrating the victory. Not all his claims concerning the triumphs of Justice need be accepted, nor will Italy alone have the right to say what the developments are to be in Ethiopia, but there will be gratification in many circles, that Mussolini has not lost all sense of proportion. He was surprisingly moderate in his hour of victory. The Duee, in his interview with Mr. Ward Price, the “Daily Mail” special correspondent, was cordial in his references to Britain. The “Mail,” throughout the Abyssinian affair, has been pro-Italian, and its chief owner, Lord Rothermere, has tried to make British flesh creep, by enlarging on the power of the Italian forces, especially in the air. According to him, Italy could do what she wished in the Mediterranean, and he urged Britain to come to terms, —or to heel, —with so powerful a nation. Not many in Britain accept Lord Rothermere as an authority on foreign affairs, and his was as a voice in the wilderness. Britain, generally, is quietly confident that

she need fear no foe. The “Mail’s” friendship for Italy has been re-

warded during the past six months with various special interviews with Mussolini, thus, it was appropriate that the “Mail” should be chosen as his Press mouthpiece, at this juncture.

Emphasis was laid by Mussolini on his desire to be on terms of friendship with Britain, and also on the. absence of any hostile intention terwards the Empire’s possessions or interests. That is web

come news. Britain desires concord Avith Italy, as with all other nations. Mussolini avoided the issue when the Abyssinian peace terms were mentioned, denied that ambulances had been deliberately bombed, and claimed that Italy’s financial position was more or less happy. These statements will be accepted with reserve. The Duce expressed the wish to co-operate in the task of strengthening the League of Nations, maintaining peace in Europe, and to assist in settling the Rhineland and other disputes. This policy statement differs from others previously made by the Duce, but it would not be fair to question his sincerity, meanwhile. Circumstances change, and Mussolini with them.

Abyssinia apart, a restoration of. Anglo-Italian friendship would be to the advantage of both Powers. Britain did much to save Abyssinian freedom, but is not now called upon to maintain a hostile attitude to tin* Italian conquerors. Italy’s return to the Locarno fold will have influence on German foreign policy, and it would be folly to drive Italy into the German camp. If the Duce continues to be conciliatory, the European crisis, which to-day appears acute, may be solved on happier terms than would be possible, otherwise. All concerned should co-operate to close the wretched story of the Abyssinian war, by arranging for administration of real advantage to the Abyssinian people, and, profiting from experience, to strengthen the League so that the next aggressor will not succeed.