Italy's Lost Colonial Empire

Northern Advocate, 18 July 1946, Page 4

Italy's Lost Colonial Empire

Italians had reason to thank Mussolini for cleaning up much that had been to the discredit of their country. His domestic legislation had much to commend it. But, like little boys who swim on bladders, he ventured far beyond his depth, and his ambition brought ruin to himself and his nation. He laid the foundation of an empire in Africa, but his folly in allying himself with Hitler resulted in the loss of all that he had built on African soil and elsewhere.

This fact has been stressed by the agreement reached at the final session of the conference of Foreign Ministers, which approved draft treaties for Italy. These treaties have still to be ratified at the Peace Conference, but there is little likeli-

hood of any material amendments to the drafts.

Italy has lost her colonial empire, which will be given either ence or placed under mandate to the United Nations or individual members of the United Nations.

Thus has a great nation fallen. The reality is in striking contrast to the pictures painted by the upstart Mussolini when he roused the enthusiasm of great crowds as he addressed them in the extraordinary days immediately following the declaration of war. The disaster that has overtaken the Italian nation provides one more example of ruin which a dictator, whatever his political colour, may bring to a nation when ambition and greed and lust animate him. This is a fact which should be assimilated by people who enjoy democratic liberty.