FASCIST MOVE

Hokitika Guardian, 22 April 1933, Page 6

FASCIST MOVE

NOW EVIDENT IN PORTUGAL.

“DANGERS OF DEIVIOCRACY.”

LISBON, April 13. A movement which is a blend of

‘tilliensm" and “.f ascism" is non' be-

ginning to show itself in Eortug-ii. it is known as the National-Syndicalist movement —not to be confused iwitli “lied Spanish Syndicalism"—and its leader is a Dr. Rolao Preto.

Recently a big banquet took place in one of the buildings in the Edward VII. Park here (where various revolutionary movements have been initiated in tile past) in honour of Dr. Preto, who is also director of “A. Revolucao,” the organ olj the new party. More than 103 ble-shirted NationalSyndicalists extended their right hands in true Mussolini style, in salute oi their chief as he entered the banqueting hall.

It is noteworthy that on the walls were photographs of Sidonio Paes, Gomez da Costa, General Carmona anti Oliveira Salazar. Any references to Dr. Salazar during the feast brought forth loud applause. Dr. Salazar is the Dictatorship’s able Finance Minister. He. and not General Carmona, lias been and still is the effective Dictator in Portugal. More than 100 officers of the army, navy, aviation and police were present.

There were many speeches about the necessity of a social revolution banco on National-Syndicalist principles. Dr. Preto delivered the principal speech, which was broadcast. Ho explained the dangers of democracy, and said how important it was that the interests of the nation should he placed above those of "individual and par+y Dr. Preto alluded to statements recently made by Dr. Salazar to the eifect that a “New State" had to be made in Portugal, hut that it was necessary to create the atmosphere in the country to be able to accept the “New State’’ planned,

“The 'New State’ will be NationnlSvndicalist, and we are preparing the atmosphere," said Dr. Preto. “To the head o* the Government Dr. Sauzai. wo, the .‘Natioimi-Symjicalists, sav: ‘Alea jacta est.’ ” The banquet ended with wishes that the head of the State, at present ill, be restored scon to good health. Dr. Preto was earried'shoxilder iiigli out 0 f the. imn.qi.mting hall amad.the icheers of the crowd ...

It will ho interesting- t-o watch - the progress of this movement of.the blue shift and. Maltese; Cross: (in nla.ee of black shirt and swastika); af a time "licm the present dictatorsbin would appear to bo approaching 'the cross roads, and a new constitution is soon to be submitted to a. plebieite. .