SPEECH BY IL DUCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 224, 21 August 1937, Page 9

SPEECH BY IL DUCE

FRIENDLY TOWARDS BRITAIN.

READY TO COLLABORATE

IN EUROPEAN POLITICS. (United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright.) Received August 21, 9.50 a.m. PALERMO (Sicily), Aug. 20.

Decorated fishing boats and saluting warships thronged the harbour and 400,000 shouting spectators gathered at the Royal Palace, in front of which Signor Mussolini stood on a dais and delivered a speech, which was broadcast throughout Italy and translated into 18 languages. Signor Mussolini said : “When we leave the land for maritime frontiers we will meet Great Britain. She docs not yet know the new and transformed Italy, hut.l acknowledge that there have been great misunderstaiKiiings in the past two years.

“The ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ has improved the situation ; the horizon is clearer and permanent friendship with England is possible. We can reconcile our respective needs of a seu route and life line, and will eollaboiate in all problems of European political life.

“Regarding Spain, however, wo will not tolerate Bolshevism in the Mediterranean. Regarding Abyssinia, we do not ask League officials to register the births, but they should taka notice of a certain death. “Our relations with Fiance would improve but for the . idolatry towards Geneva and the desire some parties for the downfall of Fascism. “I appeal for peace in all countries whose civilisation meets the shores of the Mediterranean.”

BANNERS TAKEN DOWN

INAPPROPRIATE TO SPEECH. Received August 21, 11.55 a.m. PALERMO, Aug. 20. Signor Mussolini, when about to speak, noticed* two white banners inscribed, “Long Live Our Volunteers in Spain.” He ordered them to be taken down, observing that such signs were inappropriate to his intended peace speech.