-9-                             
 
                     THE DIARY OF CIANO                     
 
               HOW THE IRON- PACT WAS SIGNED                
 
                             II                             
 
                                                            
 
 
I have already related that part of the diary, which  
was read to me by Count Ciano. I will now go back a little and tell how I   
     happened to make the acquaintance of Count Ciano.      
 
                                                            
 
 
 As I for a very long time had not had the occasion of reading a   
single American or English newspaper, I happened  
to think of the Foreign Ministry, where all foreign news-  
papers were kept on file. The superintendent of that depart-  
merit told me, that there would be no difficulty whatsoever in  
my reading the papers as much as I wished, but on one condition  
only: that I would obtain the permission of the Minister.  
 At that - there was nothing else to do than to apply to Count  
     Ciano - whom - I until that moment had never met.      
 
                     Fascist Propaganda                     
 
                                                            
 
 
Count Ciano received me with the utmost courtesy, and as soon as I had   
informed him of the character of my visit, he gave me the permission to   
read all the papers and magazines, which I desired. At this promise, I   
rose to leave, but he detained me by saying, that he had reserved three   
quarters of an hour, because he wished to discuss a few things with me. I   
was very much surprised at this request, because usually journalists like   
to hear the opinions of ministers- and not the contrary. But I said- "I   
notice that, You read quite a few newspapers?" He replied that he followed   
the press with great attention. I wondered a bit ironically, if he found   
anything of interest in our papers.  
                        At this....