IL DUCE CURBED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 February 1939, Page 5

IL DUCE CURBED

AT MEETING OF FASCIST GRAND COUNCIL

RESTRAINT IMPOSED BY GERMANY. NO IMMEDIATE SENSATION EXPECTED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. ROME, February 5. The Grand Fascist Council met at 9 p.m. (local time) under the presidency of Signor Mussolini. Hundreds outside cheered the members as they arrived. Il Duce’s personal bodyguard occupied the entrances to the palace. Well-informed circles do not expect a sensational speech in view of a curb unofficially applied from Germany upon Signor Mussolini’s possible exuberance, which will probably be increased by General Gambara’s claims that Italian troops were solely responsible for the capture of Gerona. A brief communique is expected about 3 a.m.

The Supreme Defence Council meets on Monday in order to examine the Spanish situation. It is probable that Signor Mussolini will reserve his principal utterance till after that. A later message states that the council continued after midnight. The suggestion that Italy’s colonial claims will be officially formulated afted the meeting is not confirmed.

FIGHTING IN SPAIN GREETINGS SENT TO "HEROIC ■ COMBATANTS.” (Independent Cable Service.) ROME, February 5. The Grand Council approved two resolutions, the first expressing profound satisfaction with Herr Hitler's speech. The second was: "Meeting on the day of the fall of Gerona, the council sends ardent greetings to the heroic corobatants in Spain and proclaims that the volunteer forces of Fascism will not abandon the struggle until it ends triumphantly with General Franco’s victory.” The council meets again on February 10, when it is expected that it will hear that the conquest of Catalonia is complete, and that' Italian troops are on the Pyreneean frontier.

PRESS FURY ITALIAN PEOPLE MISLED. FALSE PICTURES OF BRITISH OPINION. ROME, February 4. Shouting “Down with France,” hundreds of students stormed a cinema in the centre of the city compelling the suspension of the American film, “The Woman I Love,” featuring Paul Muni and Miriam Hopkins, and exalting the bravery of French airmen. Afterward it was officially announced that the film would be permanently banned, because of “its friendly atmosphere to France.”

Furious Press attacks continue. President Roosevelt has been elevated to the role" of Fascism’s Public Enemy No. 1.

London correspondents of Italian papers are giving a misleading picture of British opinion. Mr Chamberlain is credited with the fullest acceptance of the Italian-German viewpoint. Readers are led to conclude that there are only two brands of thought in Britain, the Prime Minister and his supporters standing for peace and friendship with Italy, disapproving French resistance to Italian claims, and pro-Bolsheviks and warmongers opposing them. Britain’s proclaimed solidarity with France is discreetly overlooked. SPEECH APPLAUDED BUT NOT MADE PUBLIC. ( ROME, February 5. Signor Musolini's speech was not made public. A communique after declaring that the council approved two resolutions says that II Duce gave a resume of the general international situation, which the Grand Council repeatedly applauded. Signor Mussolini has summoned a meeting of the Supreme Defence Council for 9 o’clock tomorrow to review the situation in Spain and Italy’s preparedness for any eventuality arising from the strained relationships with France. ITALY’S AIMS AVOIDANCE OF INDISCREET COMMENT. (Received This Day, 9.35 am.) ROME, February 5. Reports are current that Signor Mussolini emphasised that the fall of Barcelona and Gerona signified a victory for General Franco, enabling Italy to realise her aspirations. Signor Gayda declares that the whole of the Fascist Council meeting was dedicated to foreign affairs. The world expected a speech from the Duce which would have closed the cycle opened by Mr Neville Chamberlain and Herr Hitler, but the Duce’s speech would not be given out to indiscreet commentators.

ANGER IN PANAMA ADMIRAL’S CAR PELTED WITH ROTTEN EGGS. ITALIAN ASPIRATIONS RESENTED. (Received This Day, 9.10 a.m.) PANAMA CITY, February 5. Twq Italian cruisers, arriving on a goodwill cruise, met angry crowds. Admiral Somigli’s car was pelted with rotten eggs as he drove to call on the

President. Police reserves were called out.

Feeling ran high owing to Signor. Gayda’s editorials in the “Giornalle d’ltalia,” stating that Italian and German defence frontiers may extend to the Panama Canal.