Confidential Report from Michael MacWhite to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(It/123/38) (Copy)

After the historic meeting at Munich Signor Mussolini returned to Rome last night amid the tumultuous enthusiasm of his people who regard him as the saviour of world peace. Diplomats who have spent many years here say this spontaneous demonstration of delight and affection surpassed anything the city has seen since the war.

As his car rolled slowly along the main streets from the station to the Palazzo Venezia, with the Duce standing alone in the back, the crowd broke through the police cordons and surged after him. About twenty thousand persons crowded the Piazza Venezia of which I had a commanding view. As he arrived there the cheers were deafening. Bands played and Fascist hymns were sung. Soon after entering the building he appeared on the balcony to return the people's salute. He looked on a different crowd, perhaps, to that which he was accustomed - a crowd despite its enthusiasm, somewhat subdued, and showing signs of relief and averted calamity. The Italian people wanted peace and were happy that through the Duce's intervention it had been assured them.

In response to the enthusiasm of the calls the Duce came on the balcony fifteen times. Everybody expected a long speech from him, but he was strangely taciturn. He expressed himself in twenty four words as follows:

Comrades, You have lived through memorable hours. At Munich we laboured for peace with justice. Is not that the ideal of the Italian people?' A thunderous 'yes' answered him. Then he raised his right hand in salute, turned abruptly and entered the Palace. Some believe the pacific response was not pleasing to him as it was perhaps deeper and more sincere than any of his more militant appeals brought forth.

The huge crowd on the Piazza was the most orderly I have ever set eyes on. Despite its density there was not a single case for first aid although women and children were numerous.

After the Duce's last appearance on the balcony the cheering and singing continued for nearly half an hour, after which the different groups with their banners formed into line and as if by magic the way was opened up for them. In about twenty minutes that immense throng had disappeared in all directions contented and happy. There was no shouting, no disorder, no playacting as these peace loving, sober and industrious citizens returned to their homes.

There can be no doubt that the position of the Duce has been strengthened by his work as a peacemaker at Munich, whereas heretofore his militant appeals seemed to bring the best response.