MUSSOLINI PROCLAIMS ANNEXATION

Grey River Argus, 11 May 1936, Page 5

MUSSOLINI PROCLAIMS ANNEXATION

GREAT DEMONSTRATION AT ROME REVIVAL OF THE IMPERIAL TRADITION Order Being Restored in Abyssinia

(Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.) (Rec. Alay .1.0, 7 p.m.) ROM IL Alay 10. Signor Alussolini addressed a concourse of four hundred thousand people, assembled before the PaTazza Venezia in Rome. Signor Alussolini proclaimed flu. King of Italy as Emperor of Abyssinia. The Duee accompanied the declaration with the announcement that Ethiopia will be placed “under the full and entire sovereignty of Italy.”

There was a roar of cheering resounding to the skies, which drowned the reverberations of the artillery salute of twenty-one guns to the new Emperor ami the Italian triumph. The Duee’s pronouncement had been preceded with a characteristically brief meeting of the Fascist Grand Council. It began at. 10 p.m.. and lasted only for ten minutes. Signor Alussolini then summoned the Cabinet, which sat for three minutes to confirm this most, the momentous decision in the history of modern Italy.

Signor Alussolini. by 10.30 p.m., appeared on the, famous balcony, from which he has made so many speeches. He received an ovation. All the streets within a radius of half a mile of the balcony were packed with solid masses of people, who were excitedly awaiting the anticipated creation of a new Roman Empire. As night fell, hundreds of electric bulbs illuminated the historic buildings, at every window of which there hung the tricolour. Naval searchlights floodlit banners that were inscribed with patriotic slogans, ami also lit the Unknown Warrior’s tomb. Twenty thousand soldiers, sailors, marines ami airmen, accoutred for the war, with fixed bayonets, but every tenth man holding a torch, lined the steps of the massive A r ictor Emanuel Alonument, the Imperial Way, and the boulevards facing the Capitol. The 20,000 men formed a gigantic guard of honour for II Duce.

Twenty regimental bands were massed, they playing the Fascist hymn. “Giovanezza, ” which vied with the pealing of the church bells, ■Meanwhile millions of people throughout the country were demonstrating their joy at the victory, and according to 11 Dace’s instructions. Signor .Mussolini was accompanied by the Fascist Grand Council, including Count Marconi. He also was accompanied by ll'e Ambassadors and the Ministers of those nations which had not imposed Sanctions, who were invited to hear the proclamation. As 11 Diic.e advanced, the tumultous cheering, which prcwiously had drowned the voices of the speakers of the Council, came to a crescendo in the delirous joy of th,. gathering. •Signor Mussolini’s speech was punctuated with incessant applause. MUSSOLINI’S ADDRESS. (Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.) ROME, May 10. Signor Mussolini said: “Officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of ail of the armed forces in Africa and Italy! Blackshirts of the Revolution! Italian men and women at homo and throughout the world! Hearken! With the decisions which the Grand Council have approved, the great event is accomplished. Ethiopia’s destiny is sealed to-day, May ninth, in the fourteenth year of Fascist Era! All knots have boon severed by our shining sword. The African victory remains in the, history of our country, complete and pure, like those legionaries who have fallen had desired it to be. “Italy has, at last, her Empire—that Fascist Empire which bears the imperishable signs of truth, power of Rome’s emblem. It is an Empire of peace, because Italy wants peace, for herself and for all! “This is the goal to which, for fourteen years, tho eruptive energies of the young Italian generation have been disciplined, and to which most of future generations will be directed. Italy only goes to war when she absolutely is compelled to do so by the needs of her existence. ‘‘lt is an Empire of civilisation and of humanity for the Ethiopians, because, in the ’ tradition of Rome, which, after conquering, always associated defeated people with her destiny. ’This is the law which closes one period of our history and opens another, one with an immense doorway for all future possibilities. “Firstly, the territories and tho peoples belonging to the Empire of Abyssinia are placed under the lull and entire sovereignty of Italy. “Secondly, the King assume* the title of Emperor for himself and for his successors.’’ •Signor Mussolini added: The people of Italy have created their Empire with their blood! They will make it fruitful by their labour, and they will defend it against anyone! In this supreme certainty, Legionaries raise your banners, your steel, your hearts, to the salute. After fourteen centuries, this reappearance of the Empire on tho Hills of Rome! Will you be worthy of it? Thereupon a united shout of si] si! (yes! yes!) rose from his hearers. •Signor Mussolini continued: “This cry resembles a sacred oath, binding you before God and men, for life and death. ’ ’ “Blackshirts and Legionaries, salute your King!’’ The cheering was renewed as II Duce. saluting, departed.

Then the guns began fresh salvoes, Tho crowds flocked to the Quirinal, thence to demonstrate before the new Emperor. The Gazette publishes a decree, formally proclaiming Italian sovereignty over Abyssinia, and vesting the King with tho title of Emperor of Abyssinia, which will be renamed. Mar'.lia.l f'.ndoglio m the fir::l, Viceroy,

All these provisions become effective immediately the Fascist Grand Council has passed a. resolution expressing the country’s gratitude to 11 Dure as the founder of the Empire. Generals Bubo and Debono, and other Fascist veterans, crowded round Signor Mussolini, kissing him as he left the balcony. Il Duee. later, appeared nine times in response, to repeated acclamations. The crowds demonstrated far into the night. GENEVA VIEW. GENEVA, May 10. Italy’s proclamation of her Empire is here regarded not only as a challenge to the League, but to the United Stab's and South American Republics which signed an Argentine Anti-War Pact, leading them into recognise Mancbukuo. This is expected to he their attitude towards the Italianised Ethiopia. Over Six Millions SELASSIE AND WIFE’S WEALTH ABROAD. (Aus. & N.Z Cable Assn.) LONDON, May 9. The “Daily Ilerakl’s” Jerusalem correspondent says: “’Thin-laced, worn and the Emperor is resting at the Hotel Dtivid. He is guarded by a solitary British sentry. His secret- ary confirms that the Emperor has deposi’ted between tour ami live millions sterling in London banks. The l‘biipres K has her oivn fortune. It is divided between banks in .Paris. Ca'ro and Jerusalem . The Emperor. in addition. has brought one million and a hall sterling in gold, he leaving silver in Addis Ababa for the native soldiers. Mussolini Statue A COLOSSAL MONUMENT. LONDON, May 9. The British United Press Rome «orrespondcilf says that a foundry has been working secreitly lor many months on a colossal sltitue of S'gnor Mussolini. It is one with only a lion’s sk'iu covering the torso. The figure will be 96’2 Leet in height, compared wi.i'li the 2-12 feet of the monument of London. ’The sUaufe will be erected in the Musrtolini Forum. GRAZIANI’S REWARD ROME. May 9. General Graziani ha s been promoted toi the rank of Field Marshal. German Crown Prince CONGRATULATES MUSSOLINI. (.Received May I<V 7.30 pm.) ROME, May 9. The Crown Prince of Germany has t eb-gtf uphed to Signor Mussolini his congratulations on ‘‘the victory of Italy in the war, despite all opposition, lo the surprise of everyone.’’

NEW RULE AT CAPITAL Order Re-established ITALIAN MONEY INTRODUCED. (Aus. & N.Z Cable Assn.) (Received 10. 7 p.m.) LONDON, May 9. The "Times” Rome cot respondent says; The. keynote of aiill of the messages from Addis Ababa is that the ■town. is now rapidly settling down, and. is adapting itself to the Italian occupation. Military _fatig l,e parties tire gradually removing '.the debris that was left after the rioting, and are chairing the burnt-ouf areas. Th e badly damaged buildings are being demolished. The fugitives are reported to be returning, and in order to re-establish confidence., the Italian eomnuaud has order the Bank of Abyssinia to reopen. As soon as the news of the Bank re-opening became known, the people are stated to have crowded the hank in order to exchange their thalery into I'talilan money, in which "•they hav e the greatest confidence 7 ' Special (officials have been appointed to explain the nature of Italian money to the Abyssinia ns. The Abyssinian policemen fare operating, being directed by Italian officers and Eritrean non-commissioned officers. They are maintaining ordet in the central quarter of the. town. No time has apparently been lost in following out the Ftascist motto. "Catch Them Young.” and the youngster s of Addis Ababa arc stated to be greeting rhe Italian officers -with the Fascist salute. Emperor Blamed FOR THE SABOTAGELONDON, May 9. The Rome correspondent of ill" "Tinies” says th:U' the Italians declare that- Emperor Selassie. was mostly responsible tor the looting in the capital, which followed his flight, as his parting words were: "Open my palace to the people! Leave nothing to the Tt.'aFans. Sack and burn evervthing inside and outside of the palace!” A number of Europeans are stated to 'have overheard him saying this. The fact ithat such thorough pre parations had been mad,, to defeud t'he British Legtition is taken to show llm.t the Eiiglwh residents of Add>s Ababa "placed ujo iu the Abys-

sinian civilisation, which the Br(ti»h Government, nevertheless, has been du Lending at Geneva.” NATIVE ARMS TO BE SURRENDERED. ADDIS ABABA, May 9. Uialiap planes arc dropping proclamations in Abyssinia,. announcing that Italy rules Ethiopia. These give the warning that th ( . Abyssin inns’ firearms must be surrendered by midnight. The proclamations invite -the reiugee.ji to return to .their normal occupations. The Askiari's are busy throughout the eoiiiiiJry suppressing brigandage, and are machine gunning auj piling PILLAGING JN DIKED AW A. (Received Mav IT (1.3(1 p.m.) ‘ ’ PARIS, May !>. French (mops have been stillly en gaged in rout'iug p-lliigers «>t Hi' Diredaiva Customs Bouse. DIREDAW A TAKEN. (Received -May 10, 7 p.m.) ‘ ROME, May 9. The Italians h.av e occupied Diredawn. MORE RIOTING. BY NATIVES IN lIARRAR. (British Official Wireless.) RUGIBY, May 8. Very grave disorders broke out yesterday in the town of ITarrar, the rioters taking possession of the streets, looting and burning business premises and houses. .Firearms wore freely use'll.

The British Consulale. where Consul Chapman Andrews has a guard ol •II) Somaliland police, has boon endeavouring to help the Ethiopian Governor to keep order, pending the arrival of the Italian troops, who were yesterday reported within 10 miles ot: the town. Up to 6 p.m- yesterday, neither the Consulate nor the adjacent hospital, whore Swedes and Finns are curing for a number of wounded, had been attacked, and during the night the firing diminished, but looting and burning continued. The British Alinister at Addis Ababa, with whom the Consul at Harrar has maintained dally touch since- the situation became critical. reports the Consul intends to remain at Harrar.

Although details arc lacking, it is believed many foreigners sought ami found refuge in tho British Consulate. No British or other foreign casualties so far have be<”’ reported. Bishop Jarasseau, together with a French doctor ami a Maltese, at Sophie, a short distance from Harrar, are reported safe.

Sir S. Barton telegraphs that the refugees of all nationalities. (who sought protection at the British Legation, at Addis Ababa, during the riots which followed the departure of the Emperor, have now left the Legation. ADDIS ABABA. Alay 8.

Sir S. Barton learns from tho British Consul at Harrar that looting, burning, and shooting has broken out there. The* Consular Guard of forty Somali police is helping the Abyssinian Goxernor to maintain ordei, pending the Italians taking over control. Ataiiy wounded were sent to the hospital. Looters ineffectually fired a fusiladc at the train conveying to Djibouti, French soldiers from Addis Ababa, xvliithcr thej’- were despatched last week, to protect the railway buildings, which they successfully accomplished. Italian cavalry were scut to the relief of a Gorman, whose wife rushed breathless into the camp, saying that bandits were besieging her husband s farm, thirty miles from Addis Ababa. CANBHKiRA, Muy 8.

Replying lo questions in the, Houso of Represenlnt i\ es. the .Prime Al inister sail! he had mi knowledge of th l ’ British Government being informed that Australia was anxious that the Sanctions against Italy should be lilt

III! added that, tlio Federal Government. had not been in communication with its London representatives, and had given no instructions to that effect. The lifting of Sanctions was one- for the collective consideration of the League. END OF TROUBLE. J.T ALIA NS TAK E 11 AB B AB.. ROME. May 8. General Graziani has occupied Marrar. Ho captured great quantities of arms and ammunition. Ras Seyoum surrendered at Sokota. RAILWAY CONTROL. ABDIS ABABA., May 8Tho Djibouti train carries Italian soldiers as guards, indicating that Italy, with the consent of the French owners, has taken over military control of tho railway. The Italians brought the components of two motor trains to Addis Ababa, ready for immediate assembly, promising a great increase in the line of efficiency. Tho Bank of Ethiopia has resumed business. EMPEROR IN PALESTINE. HAIFA, May 8. Under triple escort, the Enterprise entered the harbour at 8.30. There wore uo salutes. The Acting District Commissioner boarded and welcomed Selassie. Few words were spoken, mostly greeting by nods. Through a Guard of Honour of Royal Marines, ami tho North Lancashire Regiment, the Emperor and family walked to the special train destined for Jerusalem. The crowds were silent.

A strong personal bodyguard keptoff a hand of journalists, many of whom arrived by air in the hope of inducing the Emperor to break silence. A large- sum was offered the Emperor to broadcast to America tonight. via the .Palestine radio. A hundred steel boxes believed to contain the Emperor’s fortune, were unloaded from the cruiser Enterprise. JERUSALEM. May S. Selassie is staying at King David Hotel. Three thousand wildly cheered him as he and his suite drove from the strongly-guarded station in ten motor cars, provided by the Arab Strike- Committee. A British sentry, with rifle and bayonet, guards tho door of Haile Selassie’s room. The Emperor, who "will give audiences to journalists on Mav 9. retired early, after receiving the Foreign Minister and a delegation of priests. Ho drank champagne with liis meals, aboard (.he cruiser Enterprise. He> spent two days 'with the

treasurer. counting his gold and silver. He has a, large python as a pet. SANCTIONS QUESTION British Policy Not Formulated UNEASINESS IN FRANCE. (Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.) LONDON, May S. The political correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph ’’ says; “The British Government’s policy towards sanctions is unlikely to be definitely formulated until the Foreign Minister (Mr. R. A. Eden) has ascertained tin- views of the other States which will be represented at the meeting nt Geneva next week. “Tho British view at present is that the situation should he left unchanged until Signor Mussolini has made a fuller statement about Ins future intentions in Abyssinia and whether he is prepared to consult others in drawing up plans.’’ The Paris correspondent of “The ’Pinics” says that the Popular Front is uneasy about British reactions to the conquest of Abyssinia. It hopes that Britain will not yield to disillusionment at the moment when France is able to throw her full weight in with the, League and is ready to support sanctions as long defy the League. “The semi-official newspaper, “Le Temps.” hopes that the League wiU now have the courage to face the realities of the situation and avoid taking any imprudent initiative. ”