MUSSOLINI’S ESCAPE

Taranaki Daily News, 3 November 1926, Page 9

MUSSOLINI’S ESCAPE

BELIEF IN HIS DESTINY FULL STORY OF THE CRIME DICTATOR TAKES HOLIDAY By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Capyi-Ight. Received Nov. 2, 5.5 p.m. Rome, Nov. 1. “I declare with absolute conviction that nothing can happen to me until my task is accomplished,” says Signor Mussolini iu a message to the leader of the Fascists at Bologna. “I send the sash and order of St. Maurice which the bullet pierced, in order that they may be placed among the Fascist souvenirs. Yesterday’s criminal episode has not obscured the splendour of the marvellous and unforgettable demonstration of Fascism and unity. “I shall never forget the scene at the Littertale. There has never been such a formidable review of a nation in arms, signifying the unity of the Government and the people. I could feel and hear the breathing of infinite multitudes, whilst a forest of rifles obscured the sunlight.” Signor Mussolini’s assailant has been identified as Anteo Zamboni, a boy of 15, the son of a Bologna printer. Signor Grandi, the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, who accompanied Signor Mussolini in his motor-car, describing the shooting, says: “The car, a low, open vehicle wherein the Mayor of Bologna was also a passenger, was slowly penetrating the dense crowds, whose greetings Signor Mussolini was smilingly acknowledging. When it slackened to turn a corner the spectators threw flowers and rvaved flags. Suddenly a shot was heard. “I saw a slight figure between the troops and the cars, close to Signor Mussolini, with his arm outstretched still in the act of firing. . Signor Mussolini calmly directed the car to stop, remarking, ‘lt is nothing, let there be no panic,’ and resumed greeting the crowd, which was mostly ignorant of the attack and continued its demonstrations. Signors Balbo and the Undersecretary, Ricci, a Deputy, and Senator Bonaccorsi flung themselves from the next carriage in the direction of the assailant, who, however, was seized by a thousand hands and went down amidst a terrible tumult.” “It is a new sign that Signor Mussolini has God’s full protection,” said the Pope, commenting on his escape. THE DICTATOR’S MOVEMENTS. HI.S OLD SCHOOL VISITED. Rome, Nov. I. Bologna has recently been the scene of bitter encounters between the Fascists and anti-Fascists. Prior to the attempt to shoot him Signor Mussolini had been spending the day at Reggio, where he was once a schoolmaster, and met many former pupils. He was full of enthusiasm talking over his youthful days. Signor Mussolini’s family were awaiting him at Bologna v station; he intended spending a holiday at Forli. ITALIAN EXILES. PLOTTING AGAINST DICTATOR. Received Nov. 2, 8 p.m. Rome, Nov. 1. Voluntary Italian exiles, who have their headquarters in Paris, declare that they are determined to kill Mussolini since Fascism, like a serpent, cannot be exterminated without crushing its head. Several of these men, equipped with money, arms and bombs, have entered Italy intending to make a series of attempts on the Dictator’s life. During a demonstration in Ventimiglia (Sicily), in connection with Sunday’s attack on Signor Mussolini, a Frenchman failed to remove his hat while the Fascist hymn was being played. The crowd thereupon made a demonstration before the French Consulate and attacked several Frenchmen. ASSAILANT’S FAMILY ARRESTED. Received Nov. 2, 9.30 p.m. Rome, Nov. 1. Zamboni’s father, who, it is alleged, belonged to the Unitarian Socialist Party, has been arrested, and also the youth’s mother and brother. Another brother, who is serving in the army, swooned upon hearing of the tragedy. On recovering he said it was incomprehensible as the whole family venerated Mussolini. He expressed the opinion that Zamboni had no accomplices, but that his mind suddenly became unbalanced. DEMONSTRATION IN ROME. DEATH PENALTY FOR PLOTTERS. Received Nov. 2, 11.22 p.m. Rome, Nov. 2. Thousands of “black shirt” ex-service men made a demonstration in Colonna Square last evening and gave thunderous cheers for the Duce. Signor Turati, Secretary-General of the Fascist Party declared that Fascism demanded the death penalty for those behind the recent dastardly attack, as well as the death penalty for the actual perpetrator, and the Grand Council also demanded death for Zaniboni, Capelie, and Lucetti charged in connection with earlier plots. Signor Turati added that Fascists strongly urged the Duce against imperilling the greatness of Italy which was bound up with his life.