IL DUCE’S BOAST

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19897, 27 March 1939, Page 6

IL DUCE’S BOAST

FORCE IN SPAIN “MAGNIFICENT INFANTRY’’ TO GIVE LAST STROKE WARNING TO FRANCE ME D ITER RAN EAX CL AT M S (Klee. TVT. Copyright —United Press Assn.) (Reed. March 27, 1 p.m.) ROME, March 26. During his speech on the occasion of the Fascist anniversary to-day, Signor Mussolini said that all attempts to undermine the Rome-Berlin axis were puerile. The axis was not merely a relation between the two States, but a relationship between two revolutions which were completely antithetic to all other contemporary civilisations. What had happened in Central Europe was inevitable. If the great democracies wept over the premature and rather shameful end to what they considered their most cherished creatures, that was an excellent reason for Italy not to associate herself with their tears. If they hoped for a coalition created against the authoritarian States the latter would accept the challenge and pass to defence and counter-attack throughout the world. “In my Genoa speech, I spoke about the barricade separating Italy and France,” continued II Ducc. “This can be considered as fairly demolished within days—maybe hours. The magnificent infantry of Spain will give the last stroke. Outstanding' Problems “I want the world to know that the Italian note sent to- France on Decern, ber 17 set out the problems as Tunis, Djibouti, and the Suez Canal. France is perfectly free to refuse even to discuss the problems, as she has done thus far with perhaps over-categorical ‘nevers,’ but France will have itself to blame if the ditch now dividing Italy and France becomes so wide that it will be hard or impossible to bridge. • “The Mediterranean is vital for Italy, geographically, militarily, politically and economically. “When we say the Mediterranean we include the Adriatic, where permanent but not exclusive Italian interests are recognised by Jugoslavia. “It is necessary to arm. The watchword is more guns, ships and aeroplanes, regardless of cost and by what" ever methods, even if it entails a complete change of so-called civilised life. I ask you do you want honour, and easy life? Is anything impossible to you?” The concourse answered with a thunderous “no.” Thousands of Fascist troops demonstrated in the Piazza Venezia, shouting; “Tunisia! Nice! Savoy! Signor Mussolini appeared four times on the balcony, smiling and saluting. INDICATIONS EXPECTED WHITEHALL REACTION COMMENT WITHHELD (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 1.15 p.m. RUGBY, March 26. Signor Mussolini’s speech in Rome is being studied carefully in London, and meanwhile considered comment is withheld. On a preliminary reading of tire speech the first impression in authoritative quarters is that its terms do not belie the general expectations formed after the recent utterance by the King of Italy, and it does not appear to introduce any new unfavourable factor into the disturbed European situation.

It was anticipated that the speech would be characterised by customary vigour and pugnacity and it does riot lack these qualities, but in -its substance the view is taken that there is little in the speech that can be described as unduly aggressive. Loyalty to the axis which is expressed has not prevented II Duce from laying special emphasis upon the particular needs of Italy, and these passages are receiving special attention.

Signor Mussolini’s insistence on the necessity lor Europe enjoying a long period of peace will be warmly endorsed in 'London and in this connection careful study is being given to the references in the speech to the Italian aspirations, lor it is felt in London that there is still time for Italy and France to negotiate for a settlement of their differences. ■Nothing in the speech seems calculated to check such a development. Threatening language has been avoided and the Italian claims do not go beyond what is familiar ground. Italy’s needs in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic are also well understood. LEAVING DOOR OPEN POSSIBLE NEGOTIATION P,E IjT/H I ERE NT DT SC UTSE (Reed. March 27, 1.50 p.m.) LONDON, March 2G. Signor Mussolini’s speech did not fulfil premonitions that it; might create a new crisis. The first impressions in London were that though the speech was, as usual violent for the consumption of I! Duce’s own followers, it lett the door open for negotiations between France and Italy, while the dragging in of the Adriatic in the references to the Mediterranean is interpreted as a hint to Herr Hitler that II Duce would look a stance at an adventure in Yugoslavia designed to give Germany an Adriatic port. Paris messages state that it is cousidered Signor Mussolini’s speech aggravates not believes the situation. Diplomatic circles in Rome declare that II Duce! merely developed the King's stateiK’.ent that Italy was prepared to negotiate with France, though she expecTGci the kiitiative to come from Paris. It is pointed out in Rome that that II Duce could not make a speech >ol' diplomatic niceties' when speaking to the Fascist old guard, but he managed to sandwich into lighting words a peaceful statement of demands.