Radio Abyssinia Report, 1936

Anchorman: "It's the 3rd October 1936 and your news for the day...

The Imperial power Italy has launched and invasion of Abyssinia. I'm here in the action reporting to you live as the story unravels.

Mussolini’s unprovoked attack comes just shortly after looming remilitarisation by fellow Fascists Germany in the Rhineland. Mussolini has consistently sought peaceful negotiations between Hitler and the larger European powers. It remains to be seen if this invasion sparks a sea-change in Italian foreign policy. Some reporters are also arguing that this is a warning message to Hitler.
Abyssinia is now likely to become another addition to Albania and Fiume as part of Mussolini’s growing empire. Although the east African nation may not be of huge significance, it could have some economic value to Italy as its lands are fertile and could be an area for population expansion.
Now over to our roving reporter to judge the reaction in the Italian capital – Rome...”

Reporter: “I’m here in the streets of Rome and talking to the people of Italy. There is a strong feeling here that Mussolini is restoring their national pride and spirit after the devastation of WW1. Even the Pope himself has supported what he described earlier today as a crusade against the ‘barbarians’ in Abyssinia. Ironically he appears to have overlooked Abyssinia’s history as one of the first kingdoms in the world to convert to Christianity.”

Anchorman: “So, what do Italians think they will gain from this attack?”

Reporter: “Well, you get the sense that this invasion is further strengthening the Italian nation and the Italian people have certainly become more fond and appreciative of the man they call ‘Il Duce’. There is a great sense of national pride. As I mentioned, many people here are describing this as a ‘holy war’, others a conquest to establish an Empire to rival Britain of France.”

Anchorman: “It is rumoured that this sudden invasion of one of the few independent countries left after the scramble for Africa, and a fellow League of Nations member, has led to a risk of Italy being thrown out of the League. With us in the studio today we have a representative from the government of Emperor Haile Salassi of Abyssinia. We are hearing reports of ruthless attacks against civilians, can you confirm or deny these rumours?

Representative: “Yes, we have significant evidence of the use of bombing and chemical weapons against civilians during this invasion.”

Anchorman: “Where these attacks have taken place?”

Representative: “The civilian attacks have mainly been focused on rural villages and Red Cross camps, in order to prevent much needed aid and medical care from reaching our forces.”

Anchorman: “Thank you for your time. Tune in later at 10 as we investigate the rise of Fascist Italy and assess the potential of their growing relationship with Nazi Germany. Good night."


 By Will & Doug