§ 26. Mr. Ivor Thomasasked the Minister of Information what steps he is taking to ensure that the democratic way of life is presented to the Italian population, now being liberated after 20 years of Fascism?
§ The Minister of Information (Mr. Brendan Bracken)My hon. Friend is undoubtedly correct in believing that 20 years of Fascism have left the people of Italy sadly ignorant of democratic ways. Ever since the war began the B.B.C. have in their Italian broadcasts been patiently striving to redress the balance. With the Allied occupation of Italian territory it will naturally be possible to do much more, but so long as military operations continue the paramount task of Allied propaganda will remain that of assisting their progress by all possible means.
§ Mr. ThomasIs anything being done to present democratic literature to the liberated peoples?
§ Mr. BrackenOh yes, Sir, a good deal. Leaflets are being dropped upon them. As hon. Members must realise, at the present moment we are carrying bombs to Italy—a good deal of what you call military propaganda—but the stage for education has not begun yet.
§ Mr. Austin HopkinsonIs it not a fact that every Italian over the age of 20 has had experience of democratic institutions and was it not that experience which induced them to put up with 20 years of Fascism?
§ Mr. BrackenThe hon. Gentleman is doing the work that the unfortunate Gayda was retired for.
§ Mr. ThorneDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that the best way to give the Italians freedom and democratic institutions is for Italy to become part of the British Empire?