Evening star., 1935-12-29
1896 IS ITALY'S
YEAR OF DESTINY
Glory and Destruction Are
Two Strands in Fate's
Hands.

ROME CF.-Italy heralds 1885 as
her year Of destiny. II may be forward
to power and glory; It may be back
ward TO war and destruction.
Next year italy generally expects TO
see the fruition OF her aspirations for
"a place in the SUM-" She believes 1t
will bring consolidation Of the empire
In East Africa, enhancement Of Fascist
diplomatic prestige in Europe ana
recognition of the Justice Of Italy's
cause throughout the world.
On the darker side Is the ever-
present possibility OF European war.
Many believe war Is inevitable. Before
surrendering to sanctions. these
prophets say, Italy viii wager her
chances of emerging from continent
tai cataclysm with increased power
against internal chaos and collapse OF
her vigorous ambitions.
Rains Aid Enemy.
Rains will limit military operations
In the colonies early In the year. BY
that time Mussolini may decide to
content himself with territory already
won from Ethiopia and continue mis-
campaign for subjugation Of the coun-
try through diplomatic negotiations
with France and Great Britain.
For Europe's peace much depends
upon Italo- British relations. Italians
say yeays will not suffice TO repair the
estrangement Britain's sponsorship Of
sanctions produced between the coun-
tries.
Some well-informed Italians believe
Great Britain intends TO preserve her
Mediterranean hegemony even at the
cost of war with italy. Mussolini him
self was represented several weeks ago
as being convinced Britain means
war"
Powder Ready for Flame.
Even II immediate hostilities are
averted, most authoritative sources be-
lieve the breathing spell will be only
temporary. Perpetuation Of the eco
nomic siege. 1t Is pointed out, by ex-
citing popular animosities may create
q war psychology which will demand
recourse to arms on mild provocation.
Certainly 1896 will see Italy playing
q major part In the diplomatic jockey
ing for new Understandings to sup
plant the Stresa front. the Franco
British Italian accord born last April
and exposed to death in infancy in
the sanctionist chilled atmosphere of
Geneva
What will these readjustments in
volve?
Will sanctions repair the Italo-G Ger
man arrangement dating from the
Dolfuss assassination?
viii Mussolinis disappointment
with France prompt him to view an
Austro-German anschluss more toll
erantly?
These are questions Italians expect
to see answered the coming year.
Many can hazard but none can foresee
with certainty what the answers may
portend for Europe's peace.
Economy Revamping.
For 1taly's economy 1896 will bring
great changes. Externally the year
will be one of recasting the trade re-
lations sanctions disrupted. Internally
it will witness an acceleration of the
campaign for self sufficiency which
Mussolini long has stressed.
The net result, Italians believe, will
be wholesome for the nation. As sub
stitutes for importations are developed
they are convinced Italy will reduce
her unfavorable trade balance, check
the outflow Of gold and gain ground
in the grim fight to maintain the
value Of the Ira.
Whatever changes may be wrought
in the Italian scene In 1896 Fascists
are confident one thing will remain
constant That Is their political or
ganization. They see II Duce and his
Blackshirt legions more popular than
ever as they guide national policy with
a firm hand in the face Of unprece-
dented obstacles.