FULL ITALIAN SOVEREIGNTY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 110, 11 May 1936, Page 7

FULL ITALIAN SOVEREIGNTY

THE FUTURE OF ABYSSINIA DRAMATIC ANNOUNCEMENT MADE BY MUSSOLINI GREAT PATRIOTIC DEMONSTRATION IN CAPITAL THREE MINUTES FOR MOST MOMENTOUS DECISION IN FASCIST ERA

[By Telegraph—Tress Association— Copyriga-J Received May 10, 9.5 P-m. ROME, May 10. Addressing a concourse of 400,000 assembled before the Palazza Venezia, Signor Mussolini proclaimed the King of Italy as Emperor of Abyssinia, accompanying the declaration with the announcement that Ethiopia would be placed “under the entire sovereignty of Italy." 1 roar of cheering resounding to the skies was drowned by the reverberations of an artillery salute of 21 guns to the new Emperor and the Italian triumph. The Ducc’s pronouncement was preceded by a characteriseeally brief meeting of the Fascist Council. It began at 10 p.m. and lasted 10 minutes. Mussolini then summoned the. Cabinet, which sat lor three minutes to confirm the most momentous decision in the history of modern Italy. Mussolini, by 10.30 a.m,. appeared on the famous balcony from which he has made so many speeches, and received an ovation. The streets within a radius of half a mile were packed with solid masses excitedly awaiting the anticipated creation of the new Roman Empire. As night fell hundreds of electric bulbs illuminated the historic buildings, at every window of which hung a tricolour. Naval searchlights floodlit banners inscribed with patriotic slogans, ami the Unknown Warrior’s tomb. Twenty thousand, soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen, accoutred for war. with fixed bayonets, but every tenth man holding a torch, lined the steps of the massive Victor Emanuel monument, the Imperial Way and the boulevards facing the Capitol, forming a gigantic guard of honour for the Duee. Twenty regimental bands, massed and playing the Fascist hymn Giovanezza, vied with the pealing church bells. Meanwhile millions throughout the country were demonstrating their joy a. the victory, according to the Ducc’s instructions. Sanctions Not Invited Mussolini was accompanied by the fascist Council, including Marconi, also the ambassadors and Ministers of the nations which had not imposed sanctions, who were invited to hear the proclamation. As the I luce advanced, the tumultuous cheering which previously had drowned the voices of the speakers of the Council, came to a crescendo in delirious joy. The speech was punctuated by incessant applause. Mussolini said:— "Officers, non-commissioned officers, men of all the armed forces in Africa and Italy, Blackshirts of the revolution, and Italian men and women at home and throughout the world: Hearken to the decisions which the Grand Council has approved. The great event is accomplished. Ethiopia’s destiny is sealed to-day, May 9, in the fourteenth year of the Fascist era. All knots have been severed by our shining sword. The African victory remains in the history of our country complete and pure, like the legionaries who have fallen desired it to be. Italy has at last her Empire that Fascist Empire which bears the imperishable signs of the truth and power of Rome's emblem. It is an Empire of peace, because Italy wants peace for herself and for all. This is the goal to which for 14 years the eruptive energies of a young Italian generation have been disciplined and to which future generations must be directed. Italy only goes to war when she is absolutely compelled to do so by the needs of existence. It is an Empire of civilisation and humanity for the Ethiopians because in the tradition of Rome, after conquering, she has associated the defeated people with her destiny. '' This is the law which closes the period of our history and opens another with an immense doorway for all future possibilities: Firstly, the territories and peoples belonging to the Empire of Abyssinia are placed under the full and entire sovereignty of Italy; secondly, the King assumes the title of Emperor for himself and his successors.’ Mussolini added that the people of Italy had created an Empire with their blood and would make it fruitful by labour and defend it against anyone. “In this supreme certainty Legionaries, raise your banners, your steel and your hearts to salute, after 15 centuries, the reappearance of the empire on the hills of Rome,” continued Mussolini. “Mill you be worthy of it?” Whereupon a united shout of “Si! Si!” rose from his hearers. Mussolini continued: “This cry resembles a sacred oath binding you before God and men tor life or death. I’lackshirts and Legionaries, salute your King.” The cheering was renewed as the Duee, saluting, departed. The guns began fresh salvoes and the crowds flocked to the Quirinal to demonstrate before the new Emperor. A Gazette publishes a decree formally proclaiming Italian sovereignty over Abyssinia and vesting the King with the title of Emperor of Abyssinia, which wil] be renamed. Marshal Badoglio will be the first viceroy. The Fascist Grand Council passed a resolution expressing the country’s gratitude to the Duee, as founder of the empire. Generals Balbo, de Bono and other Fascist veterans crowded round Mussolini kissing him as he left the balcony. The Duee later appeared nine times in response to repeated acclamations. The crowds demonstrated far into the night. REGARDED AS WIDE CHALLENGE UNITED STATES AND SOUTH AMERICAN REPUBLICS Received May 10, 9.5 p.m. GENEVA. May 10. Italy’s proclamation of the new empire is regarded not only as a challenge to the League but to the United States and South American republics which signed the Argentine anti-war pact leading them not to recognise Manchukuo. This is exuectcd to be their attitude towards Italianised Ethiopia.