“WORKING FOR PEACE”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 April 1939, Page 5

“WORKING FOR PEACE”

MUSSOLINI REPLIES TO ROOSEVELT ABSURD TO PLACE AXIS IN DOCK. CONFERENCE CERTAIN TO FAIL. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright ROME, April 20. Signor Mussolini, in a speech broadcast throughout Italy in connection with the 1942 exhibition, said any attempt to suggest that the Berlin-Rome axis wanted war was absolutely unjustified, “We want to get on with our work. Our policy is peace and collaboration,” he said. Replying to President Roosevelt, Signor Mussolini, added: “It is absurd to place the axis Powers in the dock. We reply to the message that Italy and Germany are working for peace.” He went on to condemn the hysteria in certain transalpine countries. The United States would limit itself to its customary role of the distant spectator at any he added. “Experience has given us bitter lessons. The greater number of persons participating more certain is failure.” MORE TALK OF PEACE ORGANISATION OF GREAT EXHIBITION. MUSSOLINI CLAIMS CLEAR CONSCIENCE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received This Day, 10.30 a.m.) ROME, April 20. Signor Mussolini, in a speech delivered to the members of the organising committee of the 1942 exhibition, declared: “This meeting marks the beginning of a great mobilisation. I hope the hysterics abroad will not be frightened. It is merely a civil mobilisation of workmen. If we wished to light a fuse or plan threats of aggressions, we would not dedicate ourselves to the gigantic work of organising this exhibition, the buildings of which have the proportions of St Peter’s and the Coliseum. “Whether or not a reply is sent to President Roosevelt’s famous message,” the Duce continued, “I reaffirm that Italy and Germany have given many proofs that their policy is inspired by peaceful collaboration. It is time to silence the desseminators of panic, prophets of catastrophe and profession- . al fatalists who often cover their insane hatreds and unconfessable fears with a large flag. We will not allow ourselves to be impressed by Press campaigns, gossip or Messianic messages. A ten years’ reciprocal guarantee, as suggested by President Roosevelt, is as absurd as a geographical pyramid constructed ,by certain individuals with a rudimentary knowledge of European affairs. We have a clear conscience and the men and means to defend ourselves.” The exhibition will be dominated by a gigantic arch, symbolising human will strained in an effort to realise peace on a lasting and uncollapsible basis of justice.