THE MATTEOTTI MURDER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19049, 30 June 1924, Page 5

THE MATTEOTTI MURDER

COUNTRY SHAKEN TO FOUNDATIONS A DAY OF MOURNING MOST IMPRESSIVE SCENES. Received June 29, 5.5 p.m. LONDON, June 28. The extent to which the murder of Matteotti has shaken Italy is indicated by yesterday’s day of mourning. The Daily Telegraph’s Rome correspondent says: The majority of the nation regards Matteotti not as a Socialist but as one who personated the national demand for liberty and a return to equality between citizens. Rich and poor, men and women, workmen, officials and politicians suddenly stopped and bowed their heads. The scene was most impressive on the Piazza Colonna, where 2000 stood in perfect silence. Hundreds knelt on a wreath-covered spot on the Tiber embankment where Matteotti was kidnapped. Reports from Milan, Naples, Florence and elsewhere state that there were similar demonstrations there. OPPOSITION’S ULTIMATUM TO GOVERNMENT Received June 29, 5.5 p.m. ROME, June 28. The political situation between the Opposition and the Government is still in suspense. The Opposition declares it will return to Parliament only on condition that there is a strict return to constitutional form, equality of rights and liberty of speech. It also demands a settlement of the question of Fascist militia, arguing that the existence of 60,000 armed men at the nation’s expense for party purposes has never been allowed to any country. Mussolini, it is understood, is not disposed to dissolve the militia, but is willing for it to swear fidelity to the King and be incorporated in the national army, which compromise may satisfy the Opposition.

It is understood all Ministers will resign on Saturday, leaving Mussolini free to reconstitute the Ministry.