MUSSOLINI’S WARNING

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20463, 1 April 1938, Page 7

MUSSOLINI’S WARNING

IS ZERO HOUR APPROACHING? SPECULATION IN THE BRITISH PRESS MYSTERIOUS REFERENCES TO A THIRD CAMPAIGN United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. CopyrUfdl (Received April 1, 11.20 a.m.) LONDON, March 31 The purpose of Mussolini’s speech, and whom it is aimed against, is causing considerable speculation in the British press. The Manchester Guardian considers it is a warning to Fiance not to intervene while General Franco finishes off the Loyalists, and a reminder to Mr Chamberlain that Italian intervention in Spain must not be allowed to interfere with the Anglo-Italian conversations. The sentence, for instance, “Certain passes are being hermetically sealed and the whole of the great circle also will be impassable,” suggests a warning to Germany not to presume too far on the famous axis. The British United Press correspondent at Rome says Fascist circles are frankly puzzled by Signor Mussolini’s pointed references to a third campaign, second thoughts admittedly giving the words a more sinister ring. The Fascists confess that the speech reveals serious pre-occupation and the possibility of a European war. Foreign diplomats place heavy emphasis on the following reference to defence against bombing: “All able to organise their existence in the smaller cities and towns throughout the country would do well to carry it out now, and not wait for the zero hour. If something happens to-morrow everything interfering with mobilisation will be forbidden, which will be so much worse for the negligent and the tardy.” Observers interpret this grave warning as an indication that Signor Mussolini considers that the zero hour is approaching.

WHAT IS BEHIND?

TO ENEMIES OF FASCISM STRINGENT MEASURES LIKELY REPLY TO BRITAIN AND FRANCE t United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright (Received April 1, 1 p.m.) ROME, March 31 i Mussolini's reference to a third campaign is generally accepted » to mean a w mg of stringent i = measures to supjn ess enemies of Fas- . j cism at home and abroad. ’ i The Gazetta del Popolo says: “During the last few days Britain I and France have shown that there are people who mean to start a war against Fascism. Very well, Fascism has uttered a warning through the mouth of II Duce.” ANOTHER WAR? 5 A MYSTERIOUS REFERENCE THIRD GREAT CAMPAIGN INCREASE IN RESPONSIBILITIES t I United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyrlgh: ROME, March 31 . A mysterious reference' to another’ t impending campaign on behalf of the 3 Italian Empire is reported to have been 3 made by Signor Mussolini when rei ce'iving a number of Senators in the - Palazzo Venezia after his speech in the Senate. 5 After thanking them for raising him to the new rank of Marshal of the r Empire, he added: ) “This new appointment Increases my responsibility for the t third great victorious campaign of i the Empire In which I shall lead i you.’* Q The first two campaigns are presumed to be Abyssinia and Spain.

ITALY’S WARNING

A REMINDER TO HITLER ANGLO-ITALIAN CONVERSATIONS GOOD PROGRESS MADE United Press Assn.—E’.cc. Tel. copyright (Received April 1, 1 p.m.) LONDON, March 31. The Australian Associated Press says that whatever is behind Signor Mussolini’s speech official quarters here say that they do not see that is lias the slightest bearing on the AngloItalian negotiations. On the oontrai,, tiiese are progressing faster than was anticipated. Signor Mussolini’s claim to ability to mobilise 9,000,000 troops Is thought to be a reminder to Germans on the frontier at Brenner, and simultaneously for Herr Hitler’s consumption before coming to Rome on May 2. DOMINIONS & AGGRESSORS CONFERENCE ADVOCATED CLOSE TOUCH MAINTAINED United Press Assn.—Elec Tel. Copyright LONDON, March 30 Replying in the House of Commons to Mr J. J. Tinker (Labour—Leigh), who asked the Prime Minister to summon a conference of the Dominions respecting action by all nations against aggression by any nation, Mr Neville Chamberlain emphasised that the Government kept in the closest touch with the Dominions regarding the international situation. Mr Tinker: Should not something be done before anything occurs. Mr Chamberlain: That has been taken into consideration. Major J. Milner (Labour—Leeds) asked: Bearing in mind that the Government has received assurances that Italy has no territorial designs on Spain, is it not desirable to obtain similar assurances from Germany? Mr Chamberlain replied that the assurances had already been given.