On Thursday, January 28th, the King of Italy signed the
most FaAcist law ". -which deals, in a, single clause with Italians living abroad who venture seriously to criticize the Italian Government. The law imposes loss of citizenship on Italians abroad who do anything to disturb public order in Italy or anything which causes harm to the interests, the good name, or prestige of Italy. Surely a wide net ! When an Italian resorts to injurious criticism thus defined the Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Foreign Affairs may propose an inquiry into his conduct. If he is judged guilty by the Special Commission he may suffer sequestration of property as well as loss of citizenship. It will be inter- esting to see how this laW work's. It is so vaguely worded that much must depend upon the first few prosecutions for precedents. Possibly the effect will be that most Italian property-owners living abroad will not venture on public criticism of any sort. On the other hand there may be recruits to the spirited band of exiles who have alreadY placed the right of protest above their national attachment and their property. * * * •
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