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)
To wait indefinitely for events which may occur is the worst of systems
at this moment. It is necessary to put an end to a situation which has
become unbearable and which gave us all the disadvantages without
assuring us of what might be the advantages of clearly defined
relations. Moreover it is difficult to understand why the Treaty of
Rapallo, of all the treaties which have been made from the beginning of
history, should be the only one irreparable and perpetual. No treaty has
ever withstood new conditions of affairs developed by the progress of
time. The essential thing, to my mind, is to place ourselves in such a
position that an eventual revision will enable us to vindicate our
eternal rights with dignity and power. (Applause.)
_The Government in favour of Fiume and Zara._ By the application of the
Agreements of Santa Margherita the Fascista Government gives a solemn
proof of its probity, its spirit of decision and of absolute loyalty.
Belgrade must do the same. Yugoslavia must take into account the
intrinsic value of this act, and follow, where the Italians who remain
in Dalmatia are concerned, a policy of freedom and judicious action; as
a policy which would tend to suppress the Italian element in Dalmatia
would not be tolerated by the Fascista Government. (Applause.) By the
ratification of these Agreements the Government offers Yugoslavia the
opportunity of furthering the economic relations between the two
countries.
The Government, which has already done all it can, within the limits of
its possibilities, for Fiume and Zara, will continue to work with the
utmost energy and diligence for these two cities. The evacuation of
Susak having been carried out—and of Susak only, because the Delta and
Porto Baros will still be occupied by our troops until Fiume has become
juridically a perfect State—Italy will continue to interest herself in
the fate of Fiume, so that she may be restored in a short time to her
ancient splendour.
As for Zara, her destiny is serious and difficult, and I, for one,
understand the tragedy of that city and the suffering of all the
Italians scattered in Dalmatia up as far as Cattaro. But Zara, the
sentinel of Dalmatia, is ready to bear, with the spirit of absolute
national discipline, the completion of the last act of the Adriatic
drama.
The Government will meet its needs immediately, because Zara must live,
because Zara beyond the Adriatic represents one of the most vital
portions of the Italian people. And the people of Zara and Dalmatia may
be sure that the Government will watch over their fate with the most
loving care. These are not merely words spoken to help them through this
difficult time; deeds will follow them.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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