ITALIAN PRESS

Northern Advocate, 9 January 1936, Page 3

ITALIAN PRESS

SECRET INSTRUCTIONS TOLD WHAT TO PUBLISH As in Germany, so in Italy, all the Press must take its orders from the Ministry for the Press and Propaganda. Examples of the secret instructions issued to the German Press have oeen published in the “Manchester Guardian,” which now gives a similar series issued to the Italian Press during October, They are taken from the version given in English in “Giustizia e Liberta,” an Italian anti-Fascist paper printed in Paris, which claims to guarantee their authenticity.. This claim can in part be justified by reference to the Italian Press of the days following the instructions. Not only were the general lines followed but the details were also scrupulously obeyed. For instance, t the words of S.gnor Mussolini’s speech were given in the amended form, and the telegram from the rabbit-breeders and poultry farmers was duly mentioned. Most of the instructions require no explanation. Count Ciano, mentioned under October 26, is Mussolini’s son-in-law and Minister of Propaganda. He is at present.with the Italian forces in Abyssinia as commander of an air squadron (the “Disperata”), and naturally has been given wide publicity in the messages of the various correspondents. Apparently Mussolini, who is always jealous of subordinates, believes Count Ciano is becoming too popular. The last instruction is put as a request only, and it is interesting that “II Popolo d’ltalia,” the most official of all the papers, owned by Signor Mussolini’s family, did not reprint all the articles mentioned. The Daily Menu.

October 23.—N0 comment to be made on Sir S. Hoare’s speech. Comment to be made on the report on Italian films. Importance to be given to the Stefani communique on the attitude of Brazil towards sanctions. Insist on the news of the Home Agency about France and sanctions. October 24.—N0 more notice to be taken of the speeches of Hoare, Eden, and Baldwin. Interest to be taken in the Commemoration of Giacomo Boni by Count San Martino in Paris tomorrow.

October 26. —All newspapers to give an important place to the publication of the list of Fascist improvements carried out during the year XIII. Attenuate the tone of the correspondence from Asmara, where Count Ciano is concerned, especially the headlines.

With regard to the previous disposition, insist no longer, especially in the headlines, on the actions of the “Disperata” squadron. In Mussolini’s speech, third paragraph, in the sentence . never as today does the Italian people, etc. . .” cancel the word “profound,” which follows the word “justice.” In the message to the Blackshirts, in the sentence beginning “Legionaries of the devolution ...” the words “you must” are to be changed to “you will”; the “you must” which follows shortly after, to be changed to “you can.” Attitude of Reserve. October 29.—An attitude of reserve to be maintained with regard to England, and also with regard to France and Germany. Great importance to be given, on the other hand, to our home activities. Insist on the inauguration of public works, especially the inauguration of the University Buildings. Give much space to the communiques on the limitation and economy in the consumption of goods, insisting on the fact that Fascist Italy replies to the iniquitous sanctions with a spirit of abnegation and sacrifice. Insist on the. fact that ration-cards will not be necessary for bread, because, thanks to the wheat battle, we have all the wheat we need. Give importance to the inauguration of the theatrical year, which will take place in Rome, Turin and Milan. Give importance to the widening of the “Via delle Botteghe Basse.” Not Forgetting Rabbits. October 31. —Comment on the telegram sent to the Duce by the rabbitbreeders and poultry farmers. Dedicate the whole of the first page to the inauguration ceremony of the University Buildings. In a very emotional tone. (Sensibilizzare molto.) Comment on the Duce’s speech.' With regard to the answer of the United States Government to the League of Nations, it is considered opportune for the comments of the Italian Press to be, generally speaking, in harmony with the recent substantial confirmation of the neutrality of the United States, and, on the other hand, that it should insist on the illusions which may arise once more for the preservation of peace in Europe from the indirect encouragement of the action of the League of Nations contained in the Note of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the United States.

Comment with the greatest reserve, without expressions revealing satisfaction for the American answer to Geneva. It is desired that papers should reproduce from the last page of yesterday evening’s “Lavoro Fascista” the correspondence from New York entitled “Instructive Statistics;” and from yesterday evening’s “Corriere della Sera,” either wholly or in part, the two articles entitled “Amusing Sanctions” and “The Defence.”