SHINING SWORD

Stratford Evening Post, Volume IV, Issue 127, 11 May 1936, Page 7

SHINING SWORD

TRIUMPH OF ITALY.

CONQUEST OF ABYSSINIA.

Mussolini Acclaims New Empire On Hills 01 Rome, MUSIC, GUNS, CROWDS. Press Association— Copyright. Rome, May 10. Signor Mussolini’s pronouncement was preceded by a characteristically brief meeting of the Fascist Grand Council. It began at 10 p.ni. and lasted ten minutes. Signor.' Mussolini then summoned the Cabinet, which sat for three minutes to confirm the most momentous decision in the history of modern Italy. Signor Mussolini by 10.30 a.m. appeared on the famous balcony from which he has made so many speeches and received an ovation. Streets within a radius of half a mile were packed with solid masses of people awaiting excitedly the anticipated creation of a new Roman empire. As night fell hundreds of electric bulbs illuminated historic buildings, at every window of which hung the tricolour. Naval searchlights floodlit banners inscribed with patriotic slogans, also the Unknown Warrior s tomb. Twenty thousand soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen, accoutred for war, with fixed bayonets, but with every tenth man holding a torch, lined the steps of the massive Victor Emmanuel monument in the Imperial Way and boulevards facing the capital, forming a gigantic guard of honour for II Duce. Twenty massed regiment bands played the Fascist hymn “Giovinczza” and vied | with the pealing of church bells.

Tumultuous Cheering

Meanwhile millions throughout the country were demonstrating joy at the victory according to the dictator’s instructions. Signor Mussolini was accompanied by the Fascist Council, including the Marchese Marconi, also ambassadors and Ministers of the nations which have not imposed sanctions, who were invited to hear the proclamation. As II Duce advanced the tumultuous cheering, which previously drowned the voices of the speakers at the Council, came to a crescendo in the delirious joy of the gathering. Ixr a speech punctuated with incessant applause Signor Mussolini said; “Officers, non-commissioned officers and men of all armed forces in Africa and Italy, Black Shirts of the revolution, Italian men and women/.at; home and throughout the world, hearken!, With■, the , decisions which the Grand Council has approved a great event iaoaccomplished. Ethiopia’s destiny, is' sealed. To-day, May 9, in the fourteenth year of the Fascist era, all knots have been severed by our shining sword. The African victory remains in the history of our country complete and pure, as the legionaries who have fallen desired it to be.

“Italy has at Jast ho.r. empire, that Fascist empire'which bears the'imperishable signs of truth, the power of Rome’s emblem. It is an empire of peace because Italy wants peace for herself, and for all this it is the goal to which for 14 years the eruptive energies of the young Italian generation have been disciplined, and to ' which future generations will bo directed; Compelled to go to War. “Italy only goes to war when absolutely compelled to do so by the needs of existence. It is an empire of civilisation and humanity for the Ethiopians, because it is in the tradition of Rome, which after conquering associated the defeated people with her destiny. This is law which closes a period of our history and opens another with an immense doorway for all future possibilities.

“Firstly the territories and peoples belonging to the empire of Abyssinia are placed under the full and entire sovereignty of Italy. Secondly the King of Italy assumes the title of Emperor for himself and his successors.”

Signor Mussolini added that the people of Italy had “created an empire with their blood. They will make it fruitful by their labour and defend it against anyone. In this supreme certainty, legionaries, raise your banners, your steel, your hearts, to salute after 15 centuries the reappearance of an empire on the hills of Rome. Will you be worthy of it?” United shouts of “Si, si!” rose from his hearers* “This cry resembles a. sacred oath binding you before God and men for life and death,” II Duce continued. “Black Shirts and legionaries, salute your king!” Cheering was renewed as Signor Mussolini, saluting, departed. The guns began fresh salvoes and crowds flocked to the Quirinal to demonstrate before the new Emperor. The Gazette publishes a decree formally proclaiming Italian sovereignty in Abyssinia and vesting in the King the title of Emperor of Abyssinia, which will be renamed Badoglio after its first Viceroy. Immediately the Fascist Grand Council passed a resolution expressing the country’s gratitude to Signor Mussolini as the founder of the Empire. Generals Balbo and De Bono and other Fascist veterans crowded round Signor Mussolini kissing him as he left the balcony. II Duce later appeared nine times in response to repeated acclamations. The crowds demonstrated far into the Wight.