RECEIVED BY THE DUCE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17948, 28 November 1932, Page 5

RECEIVED BY THE DUCE

N.Z. HIGH COMMISSIONER A 20-MINUTES’ INTERVIEW LONDON, Nov. 27 Sir Thomas Wilford has returned to London. Interviewed by the London Press Association regarding his visit to Signor Mussolini at Rome, he said that he and Miss Isobel Wilford were ushered into the Duce’s audience chamber at the Palaza Veneizia, through a door 20ft high. They then found themselves in the largest and most magnificent room of its kind he had ever seen. At the far end, Signor Mussolini sat at a plain desk, which, apart from the chairs, was tbo only furniture. Signor Mussolini was wearing a lounge suit and a black shirt and tie.

The Duce greeted them cordially arc! in excellent English. He discussed foreign affairs and expressed the hope that the Italians in New Zealand were proving themselves worthy citizens. ITe was delighted with Sir Thomas Wilford’s assurance that many of them were personal friends.

At the conclusion of 20 minutes’ conversation, Signor Mussolini chose a red rose, from his desk and asked Miss Wil ford to accept it, and then arranged for them to inspect the palace apartments, including the Fascist Council Chamber.