DOES ILALY MEAN WAR?

Taranaki Daily News, 11 October 1926, Page 7

DOES ILALY MEAN WAR?

WARLIKE SPIRIT REVIVED. DESIGN ON ASIA MINOR. MUSSOLINI AND MILITIA. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—-Copyright. London, Oct. 9. “Is Italy preparing for war?” asks the Daily Express. Signoi- Mussolini's attempts to revive a warlike spirit in the people have occasioned comment. It is believed that plans are aimed against Turkey with the object of securing a sphere of influence on the coast of Asia Minor, near Adalia, which was promised to Italy in 1915 by the secret Treaty of London, but Italy failed to obtain the area promised when M. Venizelos rose to ascendancy at Versailles, and Signor Orlando withdrew at a critical moment.

The Turks maintain four army corps in the threatened area. Greece is committed to active co-operation with Italy. It is understood that Rumania and Jugo-Slavia have promised to remain neutral.

Details of the secret treaty wore revealed by the Bolsheviks after the revolution in 1917. The signatories were Russia, France, Britain, and Italy.

MUSSOLINI COMMANDS MILITIA. Received Oct. 10, 11.45 p.m. Rome, Oct. 9. Signor Mussolini addressed a gathering of Fascists explaining whv he assumed command of the Black Shirts. “I am assuming direct command of the militia. You assuredly understand the import of this gesture. The watchword must be obedience, absolute devotion and readiness to defend the present regime. Raise your flags and rifles and cry ‘Vive Fascisimo.’ On the occasion of the taking over of the militia Signor Mussolini sent a message to the King assuming His Majesty of the Black Shirts’ loyalty, that they were true as steel and were dedicating themselves anew to his service.