The Black Shirts

Premier Mussolini, in an address to the National Fascist Militia, whom he had previously described as "not belonging to our Party but to the nation", said that he relied upon them to maintain order and discipline within their ranks during the forthcoming electoral campaign.

The following scene was reported:

Dr. Balbo, Commander-in-Chief of the Militia, asked: "Are you ready to begin to fight again if necessary?"

The assembled Fascisti arose as one man and shouted characteristically: "Si, Si, Si!"

"Are you ready to die for our leader?" Dr. Balbo demanded.

"Si, Si, Si!"

Turning to the Premier the Commander-in-Chief said: "Three hundred thousand bayonets of the Militia are at your command!"