Dispelling the Clouds

Manawatu Times, Volume LIX, Issue 7493, 18 June 1934, Page 7

Dispelling the Clouds

Efforts by Mussolini and Hitler QUEST FOR POLITICAL UNITY United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. VENICE, June 15. “Herr Hitler and I have not met to remake the map of Europe or add to the uncertainties weighing upon an anguished world,” said Signor Mussolini, addressing an assembly of sixty thousand crowding St. Mark’s Square The Duce sp'oke from the balcony of the Royal Palace. He added: “We have met to try to dispel the clouds darkening the European horizon and to avoid the terriblo alternative. We met to try to find a minimum of political unity without which Europe’s destiny is doomed to decline. “Italy’s power and greatness were once a poet’s dream; they are now a reality. Wc shall defend our patrimony from those who would destroy it, and from the faint-hearted, whom we shall leave by the roadside; we shall defend it by work, and if necessary, with the song of the machine gun.” Mussolini was accorded a tremendous ovation throughout, and had to return to the balcony to acknowledge the cheers of the concourse. Mussolini, accompanied by Hitler, reviewed over 3000 Fascist militia in St. Mark’s Square. The men were armed with rifles, machine guns, and apparatus for chemical warfare. Prom the balconies, which were beflagged, the Dictators inspected destroyers in tho lagoon, after which they" lunched together. Ail official communique states that Signor Mussolini and Herr Hitler continued and concluded in a spirit of cordial collaboration an examination of the problems of general policy, especially those more directly concerning the two countries. . The personal relations thus started between Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini will bo continued in the future. Signor Cianco, head of ' tho Italian Press Bureau, told journalists that tho Dictators agreed to recognise Austrian independence. He added that no documents were signed, but Germany virtually abandoned the anschluss. HenHitler said that Germany was disposed to return to the League provided her complete rights regarding armaments were recognised. Signor Cianco added that Italy would not take the initiative in that matter. Opinion in Berlin BERLIN, June 15. Official Nazi circles declare that “no definite arrangement regarding Austria was reached, though the subject may have been discussed.” Results of Hitler’s Visit Not Disclosed Received Sunday, 7 p.m. VIENNA, June 16. There was much saluting and exchange of compliments when Mussolini farcwclled Hitler at the airport, et route for Munich. The Italian Press features the visit, but does not disclose the results, beyond asserting that they will have world-wide repercussions.