Swiss Insult

A Swiss regiment passing one of the frontier stations on the Italo-Swiss border became incensed at the sight of some Fascisti. They cried out: "Down with Italy!" "Down with the Fascisti!" "Down with Mussolini!" This incident had two results: Lieutenant Guido Gavani challenged Colonel Gusser, commander of the Swiss regiment, to a duel for slurring the fair name of Fascismo. Benito Mussolini, swallowing his own pride, called upon the Swiss Government to apologize for having insulted Italy. The Swiss Government uttered its concern and promised an inquiry and punishment for the offenders.