UNION FOR PEACE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22847, 30 September 1937, Page 11

UNION FOR PEACE

BERLIN AND ROME LEADERS' ASSURANCES DICTATORSHIPS DENIED SUPPORT OF PEOPLES By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright BERLIN, Sept. 28* The May Day field, Berlin, was packed with 1,000,000 spectators this evening when Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini made declarations in the cause of peace. The two leaders strode to the front of a platform amid a tremendous demonstration. Rain fell during the speeches. Signor Mussolini spoke in German, and was at times rather difficult to follow.

Herr Hitler declared that the deepest meaning of tho demonstration of two nations was a sincere desire to guarantee them peace, which was not a reward for cowardice, but the result of securing, with a sense of responsibility, their racial, spiritual and cultural substance and value from the community. Signor Mussolini said that behind his visit there were no secret intentions; no attempt to split further the already badly divided Europe. Italy's Fight Against Bolshevism "There is no dictatorship in Italy and Germany, only organisations of service for the people's welfare," said II Duce. "No Governments have greater support from their peoples. The best democracies are Italy and Germany. "The Berlin-Rome axis 13 not directed against a third Power. To the whole world, which is anxiously asking what is to be the result of our meeting in Berlin —will it bo war or peace—we can both answer with a loud voice: 'Peace.' " Italy's struggle was directed against Bolshevism. Fascism fought it with world weapons. Italy did so in Spain, where thousands of Italian volunteers fell in defence of European civilisation. After their speeches Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini walked together across the field to the Olympic Stadium, where an orchestra of 3000 soldiers played for the first time a hymn for II Duce. Soaking Rain Ends Proceedings Thousands of people were soaked as they made their way to the exits during the speeches, but all exits were guarded and no one was able to leave until the last words were spoken.

Outside, chaos reigned. Thousands of j drenched people crowded the station entrances. The homeward rush had not been expected until two hours later, and little transport was available. In the meantime, inside the Stadium, 10,000 soldiers carried out an elaborate tattoo programme unfalteringly, in spite of the downpour. DAY IN CAPITAL IL OUCE'S ACTIVITIES •;discus3lONS pending BERLIN. Sejit. 28 Signor Mussolini paid a visit to the Military. Museum this morning. He was most interested in Napoleon's hat and orders found after Waterloo. Residents of Berlin were given- a day's holiday, and crowds lined the streets to see II Duce drive to Potsdam, to Frederick the Great's palace at Sans-Souca. II Duce was General Goering's guest in the afternoon at his hunting lodge, 45 miles from Berlin. It is expected important discussions with Herr Hitler will be held there as hitherto the public ceremonies have given them little chance of a conference.

MUSSOLINI'S RETURN GREAT WELCOME. PREPARED SOME. Sept. 128 An even more triumphant reception than that accorded to Signor Mussolini in Germany is being prepared for him on his return to Rome. All Fascists have been ordered to wear their uniforms on Thursday and converge on the Palazzo Venezia to cheer II Duce. The speeches of Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini in. Berlin were relayed throughout Italy this evening. Huge crowds surrounded loud-speakers in Rome, showing great curiosity to hear Signor Mussolini speak'in German. Experts said he acquitted himself well. SUSPECT ARRESTED ' INNSBRUCK. Sect. 28 Two anti-Fascists, believed to be French, were arrested on an express train bound from Paris to Bucharest on suspicion of plotting against Signor Mussolini's life on his way back from Austria. The police are taking extra precautions to ensuro the safety of II Duce on the return journey.