END OF WAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22412, 7 May 1936, Page 11

END OF WAR

IL PUCE'S SPEECH ITALY'S SOLEMN HOUR EXCITEMENT IN ROME . By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright ROME, May 5 A general mobilisation of the civil population of Italy to celebrate the entry of the Italians to Addis Ababa was carried out at 5.45 p.m. to-day, the signal for which was given by the blowing of whistles and sirens. Although the news wns not announced, everyone realised that Addis Ababa had been occupied. Crowds of people rushed into the streets, and shopkeepers put up their shutters, while church bells pealed and drums beat incessantly, the people cheering wildly and singing old war songs. Strong guards were placed at the British Embassy and at other points where the results of the general excitement might be troublesome. Rome has seldom witnessed such excitement as when, at 7.45 p.m., Signor Mussolini appeared at a window of the Palazzo di Venezia in the glare of powerful floodlights and triumphantly declared that the war was finished. Ethiopia For Ever Italian II Duce said: "Men and women of Italy, friends of Italy across the mountains and the seas, hearken. Marshal Badoglio telegraphs to-day that he has entered Addis Ababa at tho head of his victorious troops. During 30 centuries of history Italy has lived many memorable hours, but this certainly is one of the most solemn. "1 announce to the people of Italy and to the world that the war is finished and that peace is re-established. I pronounce these words with emotion and pride, after seven months of harsh hostilities. It is absolutely necessary to add that this is our peace—a Roman peace.

"I express this simple, irrevocable, i final proposition—Ethiopia is for ever I Italian. It is Italian in fact because it was occupied by our victorious troops, and Italian by right because it was occupied by the sword of Home and by a civilisation which has triumphed over barbarism. "Justice has triumphed over a cruel, arbitrary rule. The redemption of the miserable has triumphed over an ageold slavery. Will Defend Smashing Victories "Many races in the former Abyssinian Empire have shown clearly their wish to live and work quietly under the Italian tricolour. The defeated chiefs no longer count. No force in the world can make them count. "I solemnly promised on October 2 to do my utmost to prevent the African conflict from spreading to Europe, as a European war would mean the fall of civilisation. However, I must add that we are ready to defend our smashing victories with the same intrepid determination as that with which we won them." Signor Mussolini paid a tribute to the fallen and to all others who had participated in the campaign. He added: "Italy has not bent before the League of Nations and will continue to march in peace toward the tasks which face her with courage and faith." Bell o{ St. Peter's Silent At the close of Signor Mussolini's speech the cheering was so stupendous that he was obliged to appear again and again on the balcony. He looked flushed with delight and triumph. He was dressed simply in the uniform of a corporal of the Fascist Militia. Fifteen minutes after the conclusion of the speech, Fascist officials announced that mass mobilisation was over. Sirens shrieked and church bells pealed—with the single exception of the great bell of St. Peter's. The Pope did not listen to II Duce's speech, but was informed of the substance of it. The members of the Papal household and State offered prayers in the private chapel together with thanks that the war was over. LEAGUE COUNCIL POSITION OF ABYSSINIA IL DUCE'S NEXT MOVES LONDON, May 5 The Daily Telegraph's diplomatic correspondent states that now that thoro is no effective Government in Abyssinia and the Emperor has admitted defeat, it is questionable whether Abyssinia can expect to be invited to sit at the League Council table, and there is no precedent on which a ruling can be based. ft is believed that Signor Mussolini will establish a regime similar to that in French Morocco with General Graziani as Governor. It is also believed that Signor Mussolini's next aim will be to remove the tension between Italy and Britain. CONQUERED COUNTRY ANNEXATION EXPECTED GENEVA IN A QUANDARY' GENEVA. May 5 Signor Mussolini's declaration that Ethiopia is now Italian is considered in League circles to be a definite indication that he intends to annex the country outright. This will complicate tho League's task, as it might be easier to find a formula for a settlement if a I puppet Government were installed. j