DYING FASCISM

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIX, Issue 21994, 20 June 1941, Page 8

DYING FASCISM

IL DUCES BLUNDERS I would say that Fascism entered its decline when Mussolini entered the war, and its sharp decline when he ordered the invasion of Greece at the end of last October; (writes Leland Stowe in “Current History ”). But the decline has been far more rapid and far-reach-ing than anyone could have expected. When Mussolini turned desperately to Hitler for help he admitted that Fascism was in a state from which its founder and chief could not rescue it. Fascism had sacrificed whatever wholehearted confidence and support it had formerly commanded among some 40 million Italians. The Italians are too intelligent not to understand that, just as thoroughly as thev understand the meaning of Nazi German troops inside their country's frontiers. Unfortunately for Fascism, and probably for II Duce. the Italians have never had but one feeling toward the Germans—and the Italian people are much more patriotic than thev have looked to the outside world for the past few months. After all the miseries of Greece, Albania, and Libya. Mussolini has given the Italian people something to fight for—to fight some dav when the time is ripe—and throw the Germans out. It would be surprising if this does not happen before the present war is over. Fascism and Mussolini will then be linked inseparably to the fate of the Nazi troops of occupation. By that time the watchtag world will recognise that Fascism has become a cornse. and has been so for some time, with oublic obsequies merely deferred so that they could be held on an anpropriately large scale, in the best Italian fashion.