11 OCTOBER 1935, Page 6

Italy, I see, is buying castor oil in considerable quanti-

ties, but this time it is for the lubrication of aeroplane engines. A few days ago a distinguished British adminis- trator told me of an interview he once had with Signor Mussolini in Rome. The Duce appeared greatly interested in the agricultural possibilities of the territory under the administrator's control, whereon the latter observed, " There is one product with which we could supply your country up to almost any amount. That is castor oil." The reinark was not well received. " Since I have been in power," said Signor Mussolini with a grim visage, " anyone administering castor oil by force has been given six months' imprisonment," • * *