RETURN TO ROME

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 390, 23 March 1937, Page 5

RETURN TO ROME

IL DUCE’S REASON. DEFEAT OF FORCES IN SPAIN. Mussolini Annoyed with Press Comments. press Association —Copyright. (Received 1 p.m.) Rome, March 22. Signor Mussolini is expected here to-night. A radio message from the cruiser Pola described how Signor Mussolini reviewed the Second Sciuadion, after which, despite rough weather, the Pola, escorted by four cruisers, steamed at full speed for Gaeta. The official spokesman stated that Il Duce’s return was not hastened by any political motive. Signor Mussolini had been informed of the Press comments theron, and was annoyed at their nature.

A message fronj London states: Reports from Rome suggest that a more pressing reason than a sandstorm prompted Signor Mussolini to curtail his Libyan tour and return to Italy.

The Daily Herald's Rome correspondent says the defeat of the Italian forces at Madrid, which has inflicted a setback to Italy’s prestige in Central Europe, has alrrmed and angered Signor Mussolini. All news of Italian defeats is being Vithheld from the Italian people. A Tripoli message says that, clanceliing a- two-day air journey to interior oases owing to a blinding sandstorm, Signor Mussolini, as native notables delivered farewells and 24 warships fired salutes, bo’arded the Pola for Italy.