Signor Mussolini Devolves Signor Mussolini's actions are often difficult to
and in the appointment and dismissal of Ministers he has often shown a capriciousness which may be regarded as the prerogative of dictators. But it is not customary with him to reward anyone who has won distinction with added power. Marshal Badoglio has been luckier than General Balbo, and as soon as sanctions are lifted and Italy resumes normal international relations he is to become Minister of National Defence. with control of the Army. Navv and Air forres: In additionthe Mice has resigned the portfolios of Foreign-Affairs, Colonie3 and Corporations. His son-in-law, Count ',7iano, late Minister for Propaganda and airman in Abyssinia, is to he Minister for Foreign Affairs. Whether the change will he of significance is difficult to tell, for Count Ciano will be no more than a mouthpiece, but presumably personal intimacy with the Duce will have made him a more exact mouthpiece than Baron Aloisi for expressing Signor Mussolini's views at Geneva. It has also been announced, by General Graziani, that Signor Mussolini will visit 'Abyssinia. Perhaps the Duce feels that now the fighting is over it is time for him to see the empire which his black soldiers have won for him. But he is not likely to go before the tension in Europe has relaxed.
* * * *
