“BLACK HAND” TERRORISM

Taranaki Daily News, 30 January 1934, Page 5

“BLACK HAND” TERRORISM

ACTIVITY IN QUEENSLAND. COMMUNITY OF ITALIANS. Sydney, Jan. 13. Reports from North Queensland of terrorism among members of the Italian community by the organisation known throughout the world as “The Black Hand” have aroused the Australian Government, which threatens to take early action to deal with undesirables who have settled in Australia. There are many Italians employed in the cahefield area

around Innisfail, and they have often given evidence of their dangerous character. It is asserted by the police that one, Venendo di Salvo, has been marked down by the “Black Hand” for death, and it is remarkable that three attempts have been made on his life. The police are worried in consequence. Whenever the police begin their inquiries into the strange happening that occur among the foreign element in the North they are faced with a veil of silence that would put to shame the notorious silence of the Sydney underworld. The police are satisfied as to the existence of the terrorist gang, but they have no idea as to the size of its membership, and they are certainly unable to ascertain the name of the leader. They know that Continental methods are em-

ployed, and of late the number of mysterious stabbings has caused alarm. It is stated that the gang has made a demand upon di Salvo for £5OO. He is a well-to-do farmer, but so far he has resisted the demand. He has been told in a mysterious way that he will die unless he gives way to the blackmailers. The last’ attempt on the life of di Salvo was made the other night, when a shot rang out from a cane patch. Mrs. di Salvo was wounded, but her husband escaped. He has since taken refuge at Innisfail, where it is probable that he will be quite safe. As soon as he returns to his farm, however, he will be in danger again. He says he will not “run away” from the “Black Hand” gang, but he has enough respect for its threats to have his honK’

guarded by trusty countrymen. The police say that in the matter of arms Italian and other terrorists mostly confine themselves to long guns and knives. It is stated that many foreign farmers ia North Queensland receive requests for money, and those who refuse go in fear of their lives. A serious view of this state of affairs is taken by the Federal Government, which, however, is not anxious to do anything that would clash with State jurisdiction. The commonwealth has ample power to deport foreigners who are not naturalised, and may use that power very drastically unless things quieten in the North. The Government says it is determined to put a stop, at all costs, to terrorist tactics, which are as “un-Australian.”