NATION OF SOLDIERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21910, 20 September 1934, Page 11

NATION OF SOLDIERS

NEW ITALIAN ORDEB ALL BOYS TO BE TRAINED "PROFESSION OF ARMS" By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright ROME, Sept. 18 The Italian Cabinet, under the presidency of Signor Mussolini, has approved a scheme under which all males in the nation will undergo military training. Military instruction will become an integral part of education, starting as soon as the child is able to understand. This training will be continued when boys are aged eight to 14, as members of the Ballile, or scouts, by contact with armed forces, and by informing them of the glorious traditions of war. Then, as Avangardisti, boys will be prepared, " spiritually, physically and militarily " to enable them, when they enter the army at the ages of 20 to 21, to " dedicate themselves exclusively to warlike instruction and the profession of arms." Military culture is to be introduced in all Government secondary schools.

" The qualifications of the citizen are those of a soldier in the Fascist State," is the first article in the regulations which will remain operative after military service (the period of which at present is 18 months) until the age of 55.

University students will not be allowed to take diplomas or degrees or advance to higher classes unless they are militarily efficient.