ALL ITALY STIRRED.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 18 June 1924, Page 9

ALL ITALY STIRRED.

Assassination of Deputy.

PRESTIGE OF FASCISM MENACED. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright. Received 5.5 p.m., June 17. ROME, June 16. As a consequence of the national agitation in the Matteotti case, Signor Mussolini has appointed a temporary directory of the Fascist movement, composed of eleven members, with the object of ensuring that the strength of Fascism shall be used in accordance with the direction of the leaders.

FASCISM SUPPORTER BLAMED. By Cable —Press Association —Copyright. Received 7.35 p.m., June 17. LONDON, June 17. Lengthy despatches from Rome show that all Italy is roused by the Matteotti affair, which is likely to have far-reaching political developments, There is no longer any doubt that the Deputy was assassinated. It is even alleged that authorities are in possession of the body, which has already been subjected to an autopsy. Certainly a dust covered motor car, in which the kidnapping was effected, is in their possession, and how it came to be used has been traced. Amerigo Dumini (Tuscan Fascist), recently employed on the staff of the ‘‘Corriere Italiano,” secured the use of the car, from a garage supplying cars to the newspaper, through the instrumentality of the editor (Signor Fllipelli), on the pretext oi entertaining: some friends, who are in Rome for the Congress of war volunteers.

One report states that the car was found wrecked; others that it was returned to the garage.

A sequel to tracing the car, has been the arrest of three persons suspected of taking part in the kidnapping, namely, Oumini (stated to be implicated in previous violences), Mazzuoli (chief of the fascist group in Florence), Putato (leading Milan Fascist)’. The fourth man (Ablino Yolpi), a notorious character, believed to be the ringleader, hurried to Milan and took refuge in the Fascist headquarters. He. fled when the police arrived to enquire about him. Filipelli’s arrest, which was reported on the 16 th, is now denied. He published a; special edition of the “Corriere d’ltaliano,” before' his flight, admitting that he allowed Dumini to have the car, but protesting that he did not dream of the purpose foi which he wanted it.

The latest development is the resignation of General Debona (Director of the Rome Police) requested by Signor Mussolini, who thus, it is believed, signifies his dissatisfaction with the police handling of the case. The Rome correspondent of the “Morning Post” states that no one believes that guilt is limited to the persons arrested. Matteotti, when kidnapped after leaving his home for the Ghamber, had in his possession documents relating to financial scandals compromising prominent political personages, which he intended to make public during the debate. Two notable resignations are announced, namely, Signor Flnzi (Minister of the Interior), and Signor Rossi (Chief of the Ministry’s Press Bureau).

“II Messagero” states that Signor Finzi |ounded the “Corriere d’ltallano.” Signor Mussolini has issued a statement denying that Finzi’s resignation is connected with the affair. He has also published a statement that Dumini was a Press Bureau official.

SERIOUS SITUATION DEVELOPS,

ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMUNISTS

By Cable—Press Association —Copyright, Received 8.30 p.m., June 17.

ROME, June 16

In connection with the assassination of Matteotti, the Communists are posting appeals to the working classes, and discussing the advisability of a general strike, the entire police force of the nation being organised to find the missing deputy alive or dead.

IMPORTANT ARREST,

Reuter’s Telegrams. Received 12.5 a.in., June 18 ROME, June 17

Fillipelli was arrested in Genoa

Fillipelli's chauffeur, Colini, who brought the car, which was used to kidnap Martteotti, has surrendered to the police.