The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-07-10
Premier Mussolini
Was Interviewed
Continued from Page l.,

Abyssinia has for centuries re-
garded as sovereign entirely justi-
fled by circumstances.
When I put to him the question
whether, should he cross the Abyss
sinian frontier, 1t would be con-
sidered a breach of international
law and an act of war, he looked
me squarely in the eye and replied:
Invasion Of sovereign rights has
been in progress for centuries.
Where is there a nation today
which, during its history, has not
invaded the sovereign rights OF
others? Take the United States.
How did you push your frontier
back?
'What about the invasion Of SOW
sereign rights in your war Of the
SECESSION"
No Doubt of Entrance
II Duce made his reply in direct.
no doubt in my mind that Italy is
out to annex by arms or argument
tho entire Abyssinian territory.
What Mussolini told me COIN
cided with what I had learned
from other Italian officials, who
said italy was determined to con-
tinue her efforts to reach her
aspirations in East Africa" In
other words, the goal Is either a
protectorate or full sovereignty
over the country.
Mussolini was intensely interested
in American public opinion, and
especially inquired about our reac-
tioa to the Abyssinian venture.
I told him the United States, It
seemed to me, was unanimous In
upholding the principle that ma
tons sovereign rights should be
maintained inviolate. The answer
left him unmoved and unperturbed.
The premier went on to justify
hio intended invasion Of Abyssinia
on the grounds that other nations
had acquired territorial rights and
new colonies during the entire past
century, through the invasion Of
sovereign rights Of weaker and less
developed countries.
Was Much Interested
] found Mussolini interested in
all subjects dealing with world
economics, and particularly in the
efforts of the United States to re-
cover from depression. He was
also eager to learn my impression
Of his own country after my trip
through it.
70 was p. M, after he had re-
ceived half q dozen ambassadors. a
number Of senators and several un-
der-secretaries that I met him, yet
he appeared fresh, tireless. virile.
ahame with energy. When he
heard or advanced any new point,
his eyes flashed.
He walked half way across his
ONCE to meet me, and conducted
me to his desk where our interview
took place. He was dressed in his
white summer uniform as COM
mander-in-chief of the cascist mill
tia. with gold shoulder straps and
the gold insignia Of his rank on
its sleeves.
He seemed in the flower of
health, bronzed by the sun, and
with a military stature.
Interviewer Interviewed
Part of this audience was devot-
for he asked me continually about
my impressions Of Italy. con.
graduated him on the orderly life
Of the country, the cleanliness Of
the streets. the efficient mainte-
nance OF his automobile speedways,
the efficiency Of his public services.
In farewell, he said:
Continue your trip through
italy. You will find the same efii-
cheney which you have already
found in the first part of your trip
throughout he country"
Foreigners Evacuate
London. July 10-(UP)-Evac-
uation of foreigners, including
many children OF Italian fathers
and Abyssinian mothers, continued
today as the threat of war became
more real in Halle Selassie's cap
ital, Adds Ababa.
In contrast to reports that the
heeing refugees numbered many,
Americans, United Press dispatches
from Adds Ahaba indicated that
the 126 Americana now In Ethiopia,
nearly all missionary families,
would remain at their posts de-
spite urgent warnings to leave.
Among the groups fleeing from
Abyssinia were said to be many
children OF mixed parentage, who
were being educated at the Maria
Della Consolidate convent.
An Italian official, the dispatch
said, explained that the children OF
mixed Italian and Abyssinian blood
were regarded as important be-
cause they are future mothers of
a new. nobler creation that is going
to inhabit the country that was
called Abysssnia."
Ready for the Attack
Ofiicials close to Emperor Halle