AN INTERVIEW

Hokitika Guardian, 28 November 1932, Page 5

AN INTERVIEW

SIR T. WILFQRD,

VISIT TO ROME.

(United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copy right.)

LONDON, November 26

Sir. T. Wilford has returned to London from Rome. Interviewed by the Australian Press Association, regarding his visit to Signor Mussolini at Rome, he said that he and his daughter, Miss Isobell Wilford, were ushered into the Duce’s audience chamber at the palaza Veniexja through a door thirty feet high. They found themselves in the largest and most magnificent room of its kind that lie had ever seen. At the far end of it Signor Mussolini sat at a plain desk, which, apart from! chairs, was the only furniture. Signor Mussolini was wearing a lounge suit and a black shirt and tie. "

The Italian Premier greeted them tvrdially in excellent English. He discussed foreign affairs, and he expressed the hope that the Italians in New Zealand were proving themselves worthy citizens. He was delighted with Sir Thomas Wilford’s assurance that many Italians in New Zealand were his personal friends.

At the conclusion of twenty minutes’ conversation, Signor Mussolini chose a red rose from his desk and he asked Miss Isobel Wilford t,o accept it. He then arranged for them to inspect the palace and apartments, including the Fascist Council Chamber.