FASCIST COUNCIL

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 February 1939, Page 7

FASCIST COUNCIL

MUSSOLINI’S ADDRESS

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[by CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.]

ROME, February 4

The Fascist Grand Council met in the Palazzo Venezia at 9 p.m. local time, under the presidency of Signor Mussolini. Hundreds of people outside cheered the members as they arrived. Il Duce’s personal bodyguard occupied the entrances to the palace.

Well informed circles do not anticipate a sensational speech by Signor Mussolini in view of a curb unofficially applied from Germany on his possible exuberance, which has probably been increased by General Gambara’s claim that Italian troops were solely responsible for the Spanish rebels’ capture of Gerona. A brief communique is expected about 3 a.m. The Supreme Defence Council will meet on Monday to examine the Spanish situation. It is probable that Signor Mussolini will reserve his principal utterance until after that. The council continued in session til! after midnight.

TWO RESOLUTIONS [by CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] [INDEPENDENT CABLE SERVICE.]

ROME, February 5

The Grand Council approved two resolutions, firstly, expressing profound satisfaction with Hitler’s speech, and secondly, “meeting on the day of the fall of Gerona, the Council sends argent greetings to the heroic combatants in Spain, and proclaims that the volunteer forces of Fascism will not abandon the struggle until it ends triumphantly with Franco’s victory.” The Council re-meets on February 10, when it is expected here that, the conquest of Catalonia will be complete, and Italian troops will be on the Pyrenean frontier. Mussolini’s speech was not made public. The communique, after declaring the Council approved the two resolutions, says that the Duce gave a resume of the general international situation, which the Grand Council repeatedly applauded. Mussolini has summoned a meeting of the Supreme Defence Council at 9 a.m. to-morrow to review the situation in Spain, and Italy's preparedness for any eventuality, arising from the strained relationships with France. PRUDENCE v. PUBLICITY. (Recd. February 6, 10 a.m.) ROME, February 5.

Reports are current that Mussolini emphasised, the fall of Barcelona and Gerona signify a victory for Franco, enabling Italy to realise her aspirations.

Dr. Gayda declares the whole Fascist Council meeting was dedicated to foreign affairs. The world expected a speech from the Duce, which would have closed the cycle opened by Mr. Chamberlain and Hitler, but the Duce’s speech will not be given out to indiscreet commentators.

FILM AND PRESS.

ROME, February 5

Shouting “Down with France,” hundreds of students stormed a cinema in the centre of the city, compelling the suspension of the American film, “The Woman I Love,” featuring Paul Muni,and Miriam Hopkins. The film exalts the bravery of French airmen. Afterwards it was officially announced that the film would be permanently banned, because of its “friendly atmosphere to France.” Furious press, attacks continue. Mr. Roosevelt is elevated to the role of “Fascism’s Public Enemy No. 1.” London correspondents of Italian papers are giving a misleading picture of British opinion. Mr. Chamberlain is credited with the fullest acceptance of the Italian and German viewpoint. Italian newspaper readers are led to conclude that there are only two brands of thought in Britain—the Prime Minister and his supporters standing for peace and friendship with Italy and disapproving of French resistance to Italian claims, and the "pro-Bolshevists and warmongers” opposing them. Britain s proclaimed solidarity with France is discreetly overlooked.