MUSSOLINI TALKS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 June 1941, Page 6

MUSSOLINI TALKS

ITALY TO OCCUPY WHOLE ( OF GREECE E.Y GRACE OF NAZIS. SOME FOOLISH BOMBAST. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.10 p.m.) ROME, June 10. "In accordance with an agreement with the German High Command, Italy will occupy the whole of Greece, which will re-enter the Italian sphere of influence in the Mediterranean," said Mussolini in a speech at a session of the Chamber of Fascists Guilds. "All damage is being repaired where possible. Greece could not have carried on for six months against Italy without British help. It is a mathematical certainty that without a Balkan disturbance the Italians would have annihilated whatever remained of the Greek forces in April. Resistance in Abyssinia will be protracted to the limit of human endurance. We will return there, although we cannot at present] say when or how.” Referring to foreign affairs, Mussolini said Turkey had a chance of observing the tragic fate of everybody sympathising with, the Allies. An actual declaration of war by the United States would not alter existing conditions. America at present was in a state of undeclared war. American intervention would be tardy and would only lengthen the war and extend it to other continents. Japan would not be indifferent to American aggression. The Axis would help Japan, despite the distances involved. “Spain." he added. “knows her friends and cannot afford to renounce a unique opportunity of linking up with the Axis. This is a battle between gold and blood. I firmly believe that God has chosen the blood. We shall win. The enemy is tenacious but we are more tenacious."

Mussolini ridiculed suggestions of an Italian-German union, saying: "We are two nations, but there is only one war.” Hitler's recent speeches, he said, had recognised Italy's great sacrifices. SERVICE OF PRAYER SALVATION ARMY CITADEL TODAY. There was a large congregation at the Salvation Army Citadel today for the weekly service of prayer. The first session was conducted by the Rev. J. Davie and the second by the Ven. Archdeacon E. J. Rich. The keynote of the service was: “Trust in God as the secret of the conquest of anxiety and fear."