ITALIAN IMPERIALISM.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16810, 31 May 1926, Page 5

ITALIAN IMPERIALISM.

MUSSOLINI'S SPEECH.

PLACE IN THE SUN DEMANDED

NO AGGRESSIVE DESIGNS.

(Australian and N.Z. finnle asri>-> ROME, May 29.

The Prime Minister, Gignor Mussolini, in a speech in the Senate upon the foreign affairs estimates, demanded a place in the sun for Italy. He declared that Italian Imperialism was a demonstration of the dignity of ll.e Italian people, above all of their moral dignity. There existed need for economic and intellectual expansion for the nation which had "arrived" a little late.

Italian Imperialism was not of that aggressive or explosive character which led lo war. Tho Fascist Government and its following could only follow a policy of peace, but a desire for peace did not connote disarmament.

Signor Mussolini said disarmament must be total otherwise It would be a sorry comedy. It must be total on the sea, on the land and in the air. There could be no idea of disarmament solely on the land while naval armaments were maintained, or on land and sea when aerial armaments were permitted. Until all States effectively disarmed themselves Italy could not disarm without running the risk of losing iter independence and liberty. Young Italy must find a place in the sun. He believed she would be able to do so, gently when tho time came. He said he believed Italy's allies in the war would decide lo meet her legitimate claim, but he asserted that nothing would bo given to anybody until Italy was satisfied. Italy had no intention of giving up that formidable weapon, the veto, in the League of Nations.