To the Representatives of Alto Adige Who Opted to Remain in Italy
By Benito Mussolini
Comrades! Gentlemen!
The meeting which I have the pleasure of having with you today should have taken place a long time ago. But I decided to postpone it until after December 31, 1939, i.e. after the option agreement deadline, because I did not want to influence your decision nor the decision of your fellow provincials in any way.
Three months have passed, during which time the agreement of June 23, 1939 and subsequent agreements began to undergo faithful and practical implementation. It is perhaps superfluous to remind you that the agreement of June 23, 1939 represents the logical consequence of historical events, such as the journey of the German chancellor to Rome and the definitive words he gave in that memorable speech he delivered. Words which further solidified the Treaty of Alliance between Germany and Italy.
The Alpine borders—which, long before men, were marked by God to delimit the physical boundaries of Italy—should never again be a cause for controversy, but instead constitute the definitive border between two States, two peoples, their great civilizations and their similar modern revolutions.
Following this agreement, the German-speaking inhabitants of Alto Adige were given the option of moving across the border if they truly desired to do so. Thus it happened and everything will proceed accordingly until the matter is finished.
Those of you who are here today followed your conscience and decided to remain Italian citizens—a decision that I naturally welcome very much. Now it happens that certain rumors are still clandestinely circulating concerning the fate that awaits those who decide to retain their Italian citizenship. I called you here to tell you personally in the most explicit and solemn manner that you will remain peacefully in your homes, continuing in your usual occupations; no one has ever thought nor intends to take you away from your homes or send you to other parts of the Kingdom or the Empire.
These statements of mine speak directly to your intelligence and your heart. They will be given necessary circulation in your land, because they represent a definitive declaration, which—as always happens with the policy of the Fascist government—will be fully confirmed by the facts.
The Fascist government will continue to do its utmost to ensure peace, order and well-being to the faithful and loyal populations of Alto Adige.
(The words of the Duce are greeted by new, vibrant, repeated manifestations of devotion).
