ROYAL MESSENGER.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 19 June 1928, Page 10

ROYAL MESSENGER.

ASSAULTED AT 'MILAN. ATTEMPT TO- “HUSH UP” AFFAIR United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) LONDON, June 16. With a view to obtaining the facts in connection with the Fascist assault on King’s messenger at Milan, questions will bo asked in Parliament, as it is alleged that an attempt is being made to “hush up” the affair. It appears that the messenger Mho travels between Rome and Milan was standing in a Milan istreet when a-Fas-cist civilian demanded to see liis passports. The messenger -denied the- civilian’s right to make the request, but agreed to accompany him and three other Fascists to the police station. The messenger there produced a diplomatic passport -and the chief of police apologised to him. When returning to the hotel, the messenger M r as attacked. He stoutly resisted, but had both eyes blackened and received- many bruises. Tlie Fascists knew he was a Royal messenger because they saw the passport at the police station. The matter was reported to the British Ambassador, who visited the prefect of police and demanded an apology and the arrest of the culprits within six hours. They were arrested, but it is unknown whether they were punished or an official apology -was made. It is understood no protest wn.s made to the Italian Government, because it was merely a common assault and not sufficiently important for attention by the British Foreign Office. The British Embassy therefore dealt M’ith tlie matter locally.