IL DUCE’S VOICE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20051, 25 September 1939, Page 7

IL DUCE’S VOICE

KEEPING NEUTRALITY TIME TO END CONFLICT REDUCTION OF HARRISON •GESTURE TO ALLIES (Klee. Tel. Copyright—Uni toil Press Assn.) (Reed. Sept. 2.}, 9 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 23. Messages .from Rome state that Signor Mussolini in his first speech since his vow of silence, said that Italy had no reason to change the policy of neutrality fixed by the Cabinet On September 1. The British and French Governments with the prudent intention of not spreading the conflict had done nothing more to face Russia's .rait accompli, but they had consequently compromised their moral justification in acting against the German fait accompli. The moment had arrived to end the European hostilities.

The Rome correspondent of the New York Times says that the closest analysis of Signor Mussolini’s speech gives no clue as to his reasons for his continued insistence on the uselessness of continuing the war. Not Particularly Pro-German

It is a mistake to regard the speech as being particularly pro-German. Rather it is pro-Italian for Signor Mussolini wants the war ended now; otherwise until it ends he will stay neutral.

The reduction of the Dodecanese garrison and the similar withdrawal of troops from the Greek frontier are directed at the maintenance in the Balkans and the East Mediterranean of peace and, as such, can be regarded as a .friendly gesture to Britain and France, the only threat to whom in that area comes from Italy.

Thus, as the menace of war with the Balkans increases, Italy’s withdrawing could hardly be a clearer indication that, whatever happens in the Balkans, Italy is remaining neutral.