DUCE’S TIRADE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 164, 11 June 1940, Page 7

DUCE’S TIRADE

ALLIES DENOUNCED. EXCITED CROWD. , , •»’ Received June 11, 10.25 a.m. ROME, June 10. A crowd of 100,000 waited for an hour before Signor Mussolini appeared on the balcony. His appearance was greeted with cries of “Duce! Duce, 1” which were repeated when he announced the war. The crowd booed and cat-called every allusion to England and France. On the contrary, when he declared: “I have said to Berlin we march with friends,” the crowd shouted Sieg Heill Sieg Hell!” The crowd continued terrific cheering for five minutes after the speech. The full text of Sigi or Mussolini’s speech is as follows • “Fighters of the land, sea, and air, and the air legionaries. men and women of Italy, the Empire, and Albania. This is a grave hour for the Fatherland —an hour of irrevocable decision. A declaration of war has already been decided upon. We are going to war against the plutocracies who are hindering and strangling our economic life. “Events in quite recent history are summarised in these words: Halfpromises, constant threats, blackmail, and, finally, as a crown to this ignoble edifice, the League siege by 52 States. ', Our conscience is clear. The whole world can testfy that the Ralifin Empire has < done everything in its power to uphold peace. The promises of the Western Powers have proved they .amount to nothing, as can’be seen'from the guarantees given by them.“We take upon ourselves the risks and dangers of war because a great people like ours has to bear sacrifices. A great 'people cannot permit any other to hamper its development. Italy .must solve her Continental and Mediterranean frontiers. ' “The democracies. have been trying to halt the progress of the Italian people. We are going to war in order to break the chains laid upon us. We shall defend our territories everywhere. Only thus can a people numbering 52,000.000 remain free.” ' ' “It is. the logical development of 1 our revolution and our fight,” added the Duce. “It is the fight of the ‘liave- • nots’ against those who hold a monopoly of the world’s wealth. This fight is the fight of the young people against ancient conceptions. “Our King-Emperor fully approves this great decision.- The King has al-, ways’ understood the soul of our people. For the third time Fascist Italy enters the war as one man. I have said to Berlin that when we- have a friend we march with him. Now the die has been cast. , CONDITIONAL PLEDGE. “I solemnly declare that Italy does not intend to involve any other countries in war Yugoslavia, Turkey, Greece. Egypt and Suitzeiland have, my word of honour that their borders will be respected. It depends on them whether our pledge to them can be kept. “To-day, on the eve of this outstanding event, I pay our respectfu tribute to our King-Emperor _and sen our best greetings to the great, ber man people. . ' ._• „tx„ “Italians proletarians i — Fasmsts you are more than ever united to-daj.

The order of the day is categoric and imperative for all —to conquer, and conquer we will! We fight for justice for Italy—for Europe—for the world. Italians! Show your endurance—your tenacity—your courage—your honour 1 Finally, we will have a long period of peace for Italy, for Europe,, and for the world.” i Large contingents of troops marched, to the British and French Embassies. The Consulates were guarded against hostile demonstrations after the speech 1 The British Embassy has instructed British nationals to keep, off the streets and avoid incidents.