BUCK’S SPLEEN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20270, 11 June 1940, Page 5

BUCK’S SPLEEN

CALL TO BATTLE “LIBERTY” TIRADE SHEDDING CHAINS WESTERNS ACCUSED PEACE AIMS ALLEGED SPIRIT OF ITALIANS (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. June 11, 11.50 a.m.) ROME, June 10. “Fighters of the land, sea, and air, legionaries, men and women of Italy, the Empire, Albania, this is a grave hour for (he fatherland —an hour of irrevocable decision,” declared Signor Mussolini in his speech today. “The declaration of war has already been decided. We are going to war against the plutocracies who are hindering and strangling our economic life.

“Events In quite recent history are summarised in three words, halfpromises, constant threats and blackmail, and finally as the crown of the ignoble edifice the League siege by 52 states "Our conscience is clear. The whole world can testify that the Italian empire has done everything in its power to uphold peace. Hie promises of the Western Powers proved that they amount to nothing as can be seen from the guarantees given by them. “We take upon ourselves the risks and dangers of war because a great people like ours has to bear sacrifices. A great people cannot permit others to hamper their development. Italy must solve her continental ana Mediterranean frontiers. Democracies Charged “The democracies have been trying to halt the progress of the Italian people. We are going to war in order to break the chains laid upon us. AVe shall defend our territories everywhere. Only thus can a people numbering 52,000,000 remain free.” “It is the logical development of our revolution and our fight. It is the fight of the have-nots against those who hold a monopoly of the world’s wealth. This fight is a fight of young people against ancient conceptions. “Our King Emperor fully approves of this great decision. The King has always understood the soul of our people. For the third time Fascist Italy enters war as one man. I said to Berlin: ‘When we have a friend we march with him.’ Now the die has been cast. Respect to Borders “I solemnly declare that Italy does not intend to involve any other countries in war. Yugoslavia, Turkey, Greece, Egypt and Switzerland have my word of honour that their borders will be respected. It depends on them whether our pledge to them can be kept. “To-day on the eve of this outstanding event I pay our respectful tribute to our King Emperor and send the best greetings to the great German peoples. Italians, proletarians, Fascists—you are more than ever united to-day. The order of the day is categoric and imperative for all —to conquer and conquer. -We will fight for justice for Italy, for Europe and for the world. “Italians show your endurance, your tenacity! your courage and your honour and finally we will have a long period of peace for Italy, for Europe and for the world.”