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Hokitika Guardian, 14 November 1924, Page 2

Rkl’oiits from Italy indicate that Die critical stage in Signor .Mussolini's dictatorship i.s rapidly approaching, wrote a correspondent on September LMh. The censorship of news dispatches and of the Italian Press itself has been increased and consequently it is difiicult to estimate the seriousness of the internal situation, but there is evideine that the Italian Piemier is greatly worried. Orders were issued lor concentration of the Fascist militia in Route on September 20 11111! 21. Dissatislaetion with the .dictatorship has lieen increasing steadily, hut the opposition lias been unable to find a leader willing or able to challenge ti e Government The must significant development of all lias been the increasing courage of the Press. Some of the more important journals have been <iitieising the Government’s actions for the first time in many months. Signor Mussolini had made plans to join Mr MacDonald and .M. Herriot at Geneva, hut at the last moment lie decided li's presence was more urgently needed 111 Rome. The fact, that the Governmnt considered it necessary to issue a communique, advising that the political situation was satisfactory, did more to arouse suspicion than if no official statement of any kind had lieen made. Since the assassination of Deputy Mat. teoti and the subsequent arrest of .several Government officials Signor Mussolini has worked hard not only fo keep the extremists in his organisation in hand, hut has oven sought to obtain support from the political opposition through changes in his policy. His overtures, however, have failed to bring about the desired results 111 most quarters they have been interpreted as signs of weakening strength. They have had the effect too, of antagonising many Fascisti who favour forceful measures as the only means for preserving their position. Signor Mussolini’s chief worry now is caused by the dis-r.en-ion in his ranks and among kis followers. Apparently many of them are suffering from disillusionment. Under Fascisti rule Italy has failed to make the progress that it was confidently expected she would make. Italian exchange has failed to improve. Trade relations with Germany end

Russia liavo failed to reach expectations. Italy lias played a very minor role in the important international •. 011ferenccs of the last year. No satisfactory solution has been found for the problem of over-population. Italian pride has been hurt by the fact that Signor Mussolini has absented himself from the various gatherings of European statesmen. Much of this is due to no fault of the Italian Premier himself. Nevertheless, it is clear that his position has been weakened. If he civil handle the trouble in his own party lie will undoubtedly suppress the opposition outside.