The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, MAY 24th, 1930. A BELLICOSE DICTATOR.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 May 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, MAY 24th, 1930. A BELLICOSE DICTATOR.

Signoh Mussolini when lie speaks at large to the world through his Fascist soldiers, invariably drops into very bellicose language to emphasise his point of view. He loves his country very dearly and is prepared to make such sacrifices as would in his judgment meet any emergency. He has the knack of conjuring up difficulties of an international nature, and on such occasions broadcasts his national warnings in no uncertain sound.* At times he strikes a very jarring note, and often speaks out of his turn, as it were, conjuring up an. international situation which is not visible on the ho; izon to the average student of world happenings. His latest outburst appears to have been particularly ill-timed and strikingly injudicious. At the present time there are in progress at Geneva what are described as “private conversations” between the representatives of the Powers assembled for a meeting of the Council of the League of Nations. The special object of these discussions is to devise a formula that will satisfy tiie needs or claims of the Powers in regard to armaments, and more particularly to adjust differences of opinion bet worn Ttaly and France. The newspapers have given great prominen e to the interesting fact that M. Brinrnl invited Signor Grandi to lunch at | Paris, and that Signor Grandi has been M. Priand’s host n.t Geneva; and Mr Henderson, in a public interview, lias just said that “lie would he delighted if he could contribute to a mutual understanding between Franco and Italy.” At this precise moment, remarks the Auckland Star, when the prospects of world peace seem to depend largely on diplomatic dexterity and delicacy of touch, Signor Mussolini

has thought it ncrossary to break his silence with a resounding and menacing outburst that can only be described as a- challenge to France and a direct threat of war. Last week, speaking at Leghorn, Mussolini told 30,000 Fascists that Italy was prepared for all emergencies; “the day we are attacked,’ - iio said, “J. will launch you like a thunderbolt against the aggressors This speech is said to have aroused “a storm ol resentment” m the French I’rc.sS, which commented strongly on its impropriety, in view of the .coni ing “conversations” at Geneva. Bu* .uussolini was not yet satisfied, and lie has now repeated at Florence the warning that he uttered last week at Leghorn. After assuring his Hearers that “Italy’s .new naval programme shall be earnea out exactly as it was laid down,” he went on to threaten “people who think they can isolate Italy and would not. be averse to starting war against the Italian people even tnrough the territory of a Third Power” This is bad enough, though it is not likely that the French nation will take it very seriously. But far more dangerous and ominous is Mussolini’s eulogy of “rifles, machine-guns, ships and aeroplanes” as beautiful and desirable possessions. It is hardly necessary to point out that there is no sign oi wr.r on the horizon, and that France has been doing her best to placate Italy and to come to some amicable arrangement Vvitli her. But what hope is tnere for the future peace of the world if the irresponsible head of a Great Power, on the morrow pf a disarmament conference, and within the hearing of "the League of Nations itself, burs.s into a lyrical rhapsody on trie beauty of weapons of destruction and urges his people to prepare for war. The situation is not a hopeful one by any .means. The mentality ol many of the gieat leaders seem to suggest that the dream of universal peace is as far off as ever. It is plain the international leaders do not trust each other,' however much or however often the nfay be in conclave. Human nature is not going to be controlled by treaties or agreements when crises arise. AVe saw how P pleased Germany to treat as a scrap of paper her treaty not to violate Belgium territory with her army. Signor Mussolini seems to he disposed to be as bellicose as the ex-Kaiser, given the desired occasion. It is evident he is training an army for war, and the time may come that the army being so well trained may not brook any interference and launch a fray which its politicians may not be able,to stay. This view suggests that the world may be on rather thin ice as regards the possibilities of the future, and until there is more evidence »t confidence internationally no country will be safe in building on the belief that there will be no more war.