|
Sale 52
|
|
press UP arrow key to increase the zoom ratio.
press DOWN arrow key to decrease the zoom ratio.
press RIGHT arrow key to increase the zoom window size.
press LEFT arrow key to decrease the zoom window size.
|
|
Lot 271
Autograph Draft of Mussolini's Speech Announcing the Invasison of Ethiopia (1883-1945) Italian dictator. Autograph draft manuscript of his address "Discorso della mobilitazione," ANNOUNCING THE ITALIAN INVASION OF ETHIOPIA, delivered October 2, 1935, 4 pp on rectos only (incomplete at end), in Italian, 11 x 9". A 2½ x 2¼" section has been cut from top left of each page to remove a decorative emblem. Boldly penned in black ink, with numerous holograph corrections in Mussolini's hand.
A rare draft of one of Mussolini's most significant public addresses, announcing and justifying the invasion of Italy's former African colony. As recently as September 19345, Italy had reaffirmed an existing treaty with Ethiopia, ruled by Emperor Haile Selassie. Mussolini used a minor border skirmish in December 1934 to to justify an attack, and when the League of Nations was called in to mediate, Mussolini realized that it would do nothing in the face of further agression from Italy. He attacked Ethiopia from Eritrea and Italian Somaliland on October 3, 1935. This address, which was broadcast to the nation over loudspeakers, anounces, defends and glorifies the invasion, while studiously avoiding an actual declaration of war. Using mustard gas and incendiary bombs against military and civilian targets, the Italian army gained control of Ethiopia in seven months and forced Haile Selassie into exile in May 1836. Selassie issued this chilling prediction to the world: "It is us today. It will be you tomorrow." Published (with considerable differences) in Scritte e discorsi , 1935, 9:218-220 and Scritti politici, ed. Santarelli, 1979, pp. 292-294.
The speech says, in part: "Blackshirts of revolution, men and women of all Italy, Italians all over the world….A solemn hour is about to strike in the history of the country. Twenty million Italians are…gathered the squares of all Italy….this manifestation signifies that the tie between Italy and fascism is perfect, absolute, unalterable….For many months the wheel of destiny…moves toward the goal….and nothing can stop it now. It is not only an army marching towards its goal, but it is 44 million Italians marching in unity behind this army. Because the blackest of injustices is being attempted against them, that of taking from them their place in the sun. When in 1915 Italy threw in her fate with that of the Allies…how many promises were heard? But after the common victory, which cost Italy 600,000 dead, 400,000 lost, one million wounded,when peace was being discussed around the table only the crumbs of a rich colonial booty were left for us to pick up. For 13 years we have been patient while the circle tightened around us at the hands of those who wish to suffocate us. We have been patient with Ethiopia for 40 years. It is enough now. the League of Nations…dares talk of sanctions, but…I refuse to believe that the authentic people of France will join in supporting sanctions against Italy….And until there is proof to the contrary, I refuse to believe that the authentic people of Britain will want to spill blood and send Europe into a catastrophe for the sake of a barbarian country, unworthy of ranking among civilized nations….To acts of war, we shall answer with acts of war….I shall do everything in my power to prevent a colonial conflict from taking on the aspect and weight of a European war….Italy entirely and universally Fascist! The Italy of the blackshirt revolution, rise to your feet; let the cry of your determination rise to the skies and reach our soldiers in East Africa. Let it be a comfort to those who are about to fight…an encouragement to our friends and a warning to our enemies…."
Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000.
Ex Forbes Collection, Christie's, Lot 199, November, 2005.
|
| |
| Realized $11,500 |
|
