MUSSOLINI’S SPEECH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 June 1940, Page 5

MUSSOLINI’S SPEECH

TREATIES NOT ETERNAL TALK OF “PEACE OFFERS” REPULSED. HOUR OF IRREVOCABLE DECISION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 9.0 a.m.) ROME, June 10. In a speech, Signor Mussolini said: “Italy has reached the hour of an irrevocably important decision. The British and French Ambassadors received Italy’s declaration of war today. “Our conscience,” said Mussolini, “is absolutely tranquil. We have done what was possible to avoid the storm now beating the world. Treaties are not eternal. It was only needed to revise treaties to avoid this war. All the world knows that Italy tried vainly for peace. The Allies should not have repulsed Herr Hitler’s peace oilers. Now we are ready to face all the risks and sacrifices of war as a great people, ready to face its destiny and make its own history. We want to break the chains suffocating us in the Mediterranean.

“I wish to declare that Italy does not wish to drag others into the conflict — neighbours and friendly people. The neutrality of these nations will be severely respected. We give a new era of peace for Italy, Europe and the world. We salute the Fuhrer and Germany. Fascist Italy is on its feet, ready to strike. This revolution asserts itself against those controlling the world’s riches. It is the struggle of one century against another. People of Italy, run to your arms.”