Mussolini as revealed in his political speeches (November 1914-August 1923)Mussolini, Benito
History
Mussolini as revealed in his political speeches (November 1914-August 1923)
Mussolini, Benito
Fascism -- Italy; Italy -- Politics and government -- 1914-1945; Mussolini, Benito, 1883-1945; Partito nazionale fascista (Italy)
I hope that the first eventuality will be realised, particularly in view
of the new uprising in the East and the growing intimacy between Russia,
Turkey and Germany. But, however it may be, we must get beyond
conventional phrases. It is time, in fact, to abandon diplomatic
expedients, which are renewed and repeated at every conference, in order
to deal directly with historical fact, by which alone it is possible to
decide one way or another the trend of events. Our foreign policy, which
aims at protection of our interests, respect of treaties and the
settling of our position in the Entente, cannot be described as
adventurous and imperialist, in the vulgar sense of the word. We want to
follow a policy of peace that will not, however, be at the same time
suicidal.
In order to refute the pessimists who expected catastrophic results to
follow upon the advent of the Fascisti to power, it is enough to remind
them that our relations with the Swiss are perfectly friendly, and that
a commercial treaty, already in the process of formation, will further
contribute towards strengthening them when it is completed; that they
are perfectly correct as regards Yugoslavia and Greece; we are on good
terms with Spain, Czechoslovakia, Poland and Roumania, and the other
Baltic States, where of late Italy has gained a great deal of sympathy,
and where we are trying to make commercial agreements; and on equally
good terms with the other States.
As far as Austria is concerned, Italy will keep faith as regards her
promises, and will not neglect to enter into economic relations with her
as well as with Hungary and Bulgaria.
We maintain, as regards Turkey, that what is now an accomplished fact
ought to be recognised as such at Lausanne, with the necessary
guarantees as to trade in the Straits, European interests and the
interests of the small Christian communities. The situation which has
arisen in Islam is going to be carefully watched. When Turkey has got
what belongs to her she must not try to obtain more. There will come a
day when it will be necessary to say, “Thus far and no further!” The
danger of complications in the Balkans, and in consequence in Europe in
general, can be avoided by firmness, which will have an increased effect
in proportion to the loyalty of the Allies’ conduct. We do not forget
that there are 44,000 Mohammedans in Roumania, 600,000 in Bulgaria,
400,000 in Albania, and 1,500,000 in Yugoslavia; a world which the
recent victory of the Crescent has exalted, at any rate secretly.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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