MUSSOLINI UNDER A CLOUD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19433, 20 October 1925, Page 3

MUSSOLINI UNDER A CLOUD

BOYCOTTED BY PRESS. INCIDENTS AT LOCARNO. LONDON, Oct. 18. There was a remarkable incident at the Locarno Conference when Signor Mussolini was openly boycotted by practically the whole body of newspapers as a protest against the suppression of the Press in Italy. The “Daily Herald” correspondent, whose account is confirmed from other sources, says that the movement wias initiated by Socialist correspondents and spread rapidly. As a result, when Signor Mussolini entered a room at the Grand Hotel for a Press conference, only Fascists and a few Press correspondents followed him. over 100 remaining outside. After the conference, Signor Mussolini, when walking across the hall, confronted a “Daily Herald” correspondent and staid cynically: “Is Communism going strong?” The correspondent: “I cannot say.” Signor Mussolini: “Why not?” The correspondent: “Because I lam not a Communist.” Signor Mussolini: “Then I am mistaken?” The correspondent: “Yes, you were mistaken. ’ ’ Then a Dutch correspondent interposed: “That often happens to you. Signor Mussolini,” whereupon the dictator turned on his heel and quitted the hall.

The British correspondents unanimously took part in the boycott. There was a simitar incident on the previous Thursday, when Signor Mussolini was not invited to the Press luncheon, at which other Ministers wero guests.