Propaganda Ship

The Government is sending a commercial cruiser to South American ports. The ship, containing a sample fair of Italian products, is characteristic of modern Italy.

The vessel, called the Nuova Italia (New Italy), is not an Italian boat, but was taken from the Germans. Literary, artistic and historic works outweigh all other subjects, only a small section being devoted to industry and commerce.

The exhibits were selected by Mussolini and d'Annunzio. In the literary section, the works of Dante and d'Annunzio are given prominence. D'Annunzio's son, Gabriellino (Little Gabriel), has selected the best Italian films for exhibit. Troupes of theatrical and lyric artists will give renditions of Italian opera and teach the South Amercans how to sing Giomnezza (Italian slang for "Talk turkey"), Fascista hymn.

The ostensible purpose of the Nuova Italia is to strengthen the bonds between Italy and South America, particularly the cultural bonds. It is possible, however, that the project has been made use of by Mussolini as a means of keeping d'Annuezio out of mischief for a few " months.