Declaration on the Italo-Ethiopian Dispute
By Benito Mussolini
Honourable Senators!
The Undersecretary of State has given you a very clear and documented exposition of our colonial situation. As regards Libya, I have nothing to add. However, I consider it opportune to add some words concerning East Africa.
The problem of Italo-Ethiopian relations is the order of the day, and not only in Italy.
Much of what is being said or written is not worth the effort of addressing and refuting. (Applause). But one rumor that is widespread in some foreign circles must be formally and immediately denied, namely the rumor of Franco-English diplomatic steps in Rome. The very word "step" is extremely distasteful, and although some persons beyond our frontiers would have desired it, the truth is that no step has been taken up to now. And owing to the Italo-Franco-British relations it is most probable that there will not be any, even in the future, because there is no need for diplomatic proceedings in the nature of a step in order to obtain from us (whenever one desires it and along simple lines of cordial reciprocal relations) an exposition of our point of view amply documented.
In the meantime, a word of heartfelt thanks is to be addressed to those who seem to preoccupy themselves in more than a fraternal manner about our military efficiency. This efficiency, according to them, could be weakened by an eventual conflict in East Africa.
One might reply to these zealous and disinterested counselors who consider our presence in Europe indispensable, that we too are of the same opinion. But it is precisely because we wish to be tranquilly present in Europe that we intend to be well guarded in Africa. (Applause). East Africa is about 4,000 kilometers from Rome in the case of Eritrea, and almost double that in the case of Somalia. Because of these distances the precise categorical duty of the government is to be foresighted and timely.
On the other hand, it is worthwhile to point out that up to this time the number of workers sent out is perhaps higher than the number of soldiers. But I wish to add immediately in the most explicit and solemn manner that we will send out all the soldiers we deem necessary, and that no one can take upon himself the intolerable presumption to dictate to us concerning the character and volume of our precautionary measures. (Lively and prolonged applause). No one can judge this most delicate matter except Italy who has in her history a dramatic, bloody and not forgotten experience in this regard. I prefer to be reprimanded tomorrow for doing too much rather than for doing too little when it is a question of the safety of our colonies and the life of even a single one of our native or metropolitan soldiers. (Lively applause).
With regard to the diplomatic development of the dispute, it is known that we have not refused to converse with representatives of the Ethiopian Government. We have already for some time communicated with Addis Ababa that we were disposed on our side to name two representatives for Italy in the Conciliation Committee.
But it is our duty not to harbor any dangerous illusions, in light of the noteworthy Ethiopian armaments and the advanced preparations for Ethiopian mobilization, and above all else the state of mind dominating Addis Ababa, especially among the minor chieftains who are hostile to any accord whatsoever with Italy.
As for Europe, and her regrettable imminent eventualities that might come about, I would like to reconfirm to the Senate that, for as long as necessary, we will maintain under arms the three classes of 1911, 1913 and 1914. Moreover, another class, that of 1912, is in reserve and ready. I believe a total of 800,000 to 900,000 soldiers is sufficient to guarantee our security. They are men who are perfectly trained, with morale that without any exaggeration can be called superb, and are equipped with the most modern weapons manufactured by our war industries, which — I am revealing no secret — have been working full time for some months.
Relying on this gathering of forces on land, sea and in the sky, we will continue to practice a policy that will be full of decisive and concrete collaboration with all European powers, large or small, far or near, with the purpose of realizing those balances and undertakings without which the world and our Continent would go to ruins. Our military apparatus, to which we devote and dedicate our most vigilant care, does not threaten anyone, but ensures peace.
Honourable Senators!
I believe that these statements of mine reflect your same line of thought.
