A POLITICAL MURDER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19201, 18 June 1924, Page 5

A POLITICAL MURDER

ITALIAN PUBLIC SHOCKED. ACCUSATIONS AGAINST FASCISTS. Ptmm Ausociation —By Tolagraph—-Copyright, LONDON, Juno 16. Tho Rome correspondent of The Times states that the Fascists are now definitely accused of kidnapping oignor Matteotti. The newspapers point out that Matteotti was known to be in possession of certain information relating to State contracts, which ho intended to disclose in Parliament. Had he done so, it is stated, tho cause of Fascism would have been seriously compromised, crime in recent years ..had so shocked the public, says the correspondent, who declares that according to private information given to a certain deputy Matteotti was first stabbed and then buried in a wood, winch tho police are now guarding.—The Tunes. PARTY DISCIPLINE. A DIRECTORY APPOINTED. ROME, Juno 16. (Received Juno 17, at 5.5 p.rn.) As a consequence of the national agitation in the Matteotti case Signor Mnssoiini has appointed a temporary Directory of tho Fascist movement composed of 11 members, with the object of ensuring that the strength of Fascism shall bo used in accordance with the direction of the leaders.—A. and N.Z. Cable. ALL ITALY ROUSED. CHARGES AGAINST AUTHORITIES. THREE PERSONS ARRESTED. LONDON, June 17. (Received Juno 17, at 7.30 p.rn.) Lengthy despatches from Rome show that all Italy is roused bv the Matteotti ihair, which is likely to have far-reach-ing political developments. There is no longer any doubt that the Deputy was assassinated, and it is even alleged that the authorities are in possession of the body, which has already been subjected to an autopsy. Certainly the dustcovered motor-car in which the kidnapping was effected is in their possession, and how it came to be used has been traced. Amerigo Duniini, a Tuscan Fascist, who was recently employed on the staff of tho Oorriere d’ltaliano, secured the use of the air from the garage which supplies cars to the newspaper through the instrumen lality of tho editor, Signor Filipelli, on tho pretext of entertaining friends who were in Rome for the congress of war volunteers. One report states that the car was found wrecked, and that another car was returned to the garage. The sequel to tho tracing of the car has been the arrest of three persons who are suspected of taking part in tho kidnapping—namely, Dumim, who is stated to have been implicated in previous violences, Mazzuoli, chief of the Fascist group in Piorenco, and Putato, a leading Milan Fascist. A fourth man, Ablino Volpi, a notorious character, who is believed to be the ringleader, hurried to Milan and took refuge iu the Fascist headquarters. He fled when the police arrived to inquire about him. Filipelli, whose arrest was reported yesterday, but it now denied, published a special edition of the Corriero d’ltaliano before his flight, admitting that he allowed Dumini to have the car, but protesting that he did not dream of tho purpose for which he wanted it. The latest development is that the resignation of General Debona, director of the, Rome police, has been requested by Signor Mussolini, who is thup believed to * have signified his dissatisfaction with the police handling of the case. Tho Morning Post’s Rome correspondent states that no one believes that the guilt is limited to the persons who have been arrested. Matteotti, when he was kidnapped after leaving his home lor the Chamber, had in his possession documents relating to financial scandals which compromised prominent nolitical personages, and which he intended to make public during the debate. Two notable resignations which have oeen announced are those of Signor Finzi, Minister of the Interior, and Signor Rossi, Chief of the Ministry s Press Bureau. The Messagero states that Signor Finzi founded the Corncro d’ltaliano. Signor Mussolini has issued a statement denying that Signor Fmzi’s resignation is connected with the affair. He has also published a statenu*nt that Dumini was a Press Bureau official.—A. and N.Z. Cable. ACTION BY COMMUNISTS. GENERAL STRIKE DISCUSSED. . ROME, Juno 16. (Received June 17, at 8.40 p.m.) The Communists are posting appeals to the working classes and are discussing the advisability of a general strike. The entire police force of the nation is being organised to find the missing Deputy, alive or dead.—-Reuter.