DIE CAST

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 June 1940, Page 6

DIE CAST

TEXT OF MUSSOLINI’S SPEECH FULL APPROVAL OF KING CLAIMED. NATION SAID TO DE UNITED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Dav. 10.25 a.m.) ROME. June 10. A crowd of 100.000 waited for an hour before Signor Mussolini appeared on a balcony. His appearance was greeted with cries of "Duce! Duce!" which were repeated when he announced war. The crowd booed and catcalled every allusion to England and France. On the contrary, when he declared: “I said to Berlin, we march with friends,” the crowd shouted “Sieg heil! Sieg Heil!" The crowd continued terrific cheering for five minutes after the speech. The full text of Mussolini's speech is as follows: “Fighters of land, sea and air and air legionaries, men and women of the Italian Empire and Albania, this is a grave hour for the Fatherland —an hour of irrevocable decision. The declaration of war is already decided. We are going to war against the plutocracies who arc hindering and strangling our economic life. Events in quite recent history are summarised in these | words —half-promises, constant threats, blackmail and, finally, as a crown to this ignoble edifice, the League siege by fifty-two States. Our conscience is clear. The whole world can testify that the Italian Empire has done everything

in its power to uphold peace. The promises of the Western Powers have proved that 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 others 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 millions remain free. “It is a logical development of our revolution and our fight. It is a fight of have-nots against those who hold a monopoly of the world’s wealth. This fight is the fight of a young people against ancient conceptions. Our King Emperor fully approves this great decision. The King has always understood the soul of our people. For the

third time. Fascist Italy enters war as one man. I said to Berlin: ‘When we .have a friend we march with him.’ Now the die has been cast. I solemnly declare that Italy does not intend to involve any other countries in the war. Yugoslavia, Turkey, Greece, Egypt and Switzerland have my word of honour that their borders will be respected. It depends on them whether our pledge to them can be kept. Today, on the eve of this outstanding event, I pay our respectful tribute to our King Emperor and send our best greetings to the great German people. Italians, proletarians, Fascists —you are more than ever united today. The order of the day is a categoric 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. Finally we will have a long period of peace for Italy, for Europe, for the world.” Musolini spoke from a balcony in the Palazzo Venezia. Large contingents of troops were marched to the British and French Embassies and Consulates to guard against hostile demonstrations after the speech. I The British Embassy has instructed British nationals to keep off the streets to avoid incidents.