FASCISM ON TRIAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 21 June 1924, Page 9

FASCISM ON TRIAL.

Sequel to Kidnapping.

ANOTHER IMPORTANT ARREST, By Gable—Press Association.—Copyright. ROME, June 19. The police arrested Giovanni Marinelli, ex-member of the Fascist directory in connection with the Matteotti kidnapping. The arrest amazed and shocked the public, as Marinelli had been Administrative Secretary of the Party since its foundation, enjoying authority second only to Signor Mussolini. He recently lost Signor Mussolini’s confidence. Filipelli is undergoing many hours’ stringent interrogation, but no light has so far been thrown on Matteotti’s fate, except the allegedly damning evidence against Dumini, in whoso luggage, it was stated, blood-stained articles were discovei'ed.

“DAY OP FASCISM OVER.” STRANGE DOINGS IN ITALY. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright. Received 9.30 p.m., June 20. LONDON, June 20. s It is stated in Italian circles in London, that Matteotti’s body was so mutilated, that the authorities interred it secretly, fearing the results if the,facts were known publicly. The Italian Socialist Leader (Caporali) stated at a Socialist meeting in Paris that the bqdy was pierced by nineteen bullets, five knife thrusts, and literally crushed with bludgeons.

The Rome correspondent of the “Daily Express” says that Marinelli’s arrest is the sequel to the arrest of a notorious character, whom the police call Otto Chirszel. Although he lias five, aliases, and as many nationalities, it-is alleged that Marinelli sent money to Chirszel, who came from Naples to join Dumini’s murder gang and took part in the kidnapping. The “Daily Herald” says that Chirszel declares that the aim of the kidnappers was the possession of the documents, Mattiotti, being kept a prisoner in a villa until the Parliamentary session. He owed his death to strenuous resistance. The “Herald” comments that Signor Mussolini is cynically overthrowing his closest friends. He may save himself, but the day of Fascism is, over.