The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1932. IN ITALY.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 October 1932, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1932. IN ITALY.

The recent statement by Signor Mussolini of the attitude of Italy on the question cf armaments, and the peacefulness of the Fascist movement is hard to follow when his references to the warlike history <fT" the province where he was making his address were of such a stirring nature. It is interesting therefore to refer to a recent statement by the Consul of Italy at Wellington of the progress of that country sincia the end of the world war. He', '.said that after having cleared the country of Communists, the Fascists marched on Rome to complete their victory, and to give back to the love and faith of the nation the Eternal City. His Majesty the King, who during the years cf th e war, faithful to the traditions . of his noble House, liad .spent his time among the combatants, gallantly defying any risk and who therefore well knew the spirit of the new Italy which had sprung from the victory of Vittorio Voneto, by which Fascismo was inspired, wisely refused to tsign a decree placed before him by the Ministers of the time for the. declaration of a state <T siege; and, on the resignation ol the Cabinet which followed such refusal, he entrusted /Henito Mussolini, the creator and

leader of Fasoismo, with the fomation of a new Cabinet and the fortunes of Italy. The . new Government set immediately to work on the economic, social, and spiritual regeneration of Italy, and. in this ten yeans of power had achieved results which Italians had never been Ld to hope for' by the previous Governments, who.very likely considered them -impossible. Whatever people may say Fascismo is today the spirit of. Italy, and Italy identifies heiself with Fascismo. Fascism© fiii an Italian, moatement by Italians, and not an imported docIriiW. Fascismo -is real democracy in the highest sens© of the word, and the labour charter is there to prove it. It has no quarrel with other democracies; it only says, that such democracies may suit other countries, whereas Fascismo suits Italy. It is agreed in certain quarters that Mussolini. is by nature and predilection a tyrant. Nothing is further from the truth. He is a democrat • of democrats, if th© good of the people as a whole be the criterion of true democracy, which' we believe it is. Mussolini’s only ambition, to which lie is devoting his 'life, ia the greatness and prosperity of Italy. All Italians are proud of him and are with him to the last in his great work of the resumption of their country. He has deserved well of both Italy and Europe, as he pacified Italy at' a moment when Communism threatened to submerge Italy and to spread beyond her frontier. Italy is one of the staunchest supporters of the League of Nations and its ideals. As 'a contribution to the cause of peace and harmony, Italy has tied herself by no fewer than thirty-five treaties of conciliation and arbitration—that is, with, almost every country with which we have diplomatic relations.