In April 1938, a 22-member Italian Fascist delegation visited Korea from the afternoon of April 23 until the evening of April 24. They had just spent roughly 40 days traveling throughout Japan proper before continuing through colonial Korea.
Despite spending only about 36 hours in Korea, the delegation received extraordinarily lavish newspaper coverage, with pages upon pages devoted to virtually every aspect of the visit. The reporting ranges far beyond official speeches and diplomatic ceremonies. It documents exchanges involving sports, cinema, food, music, Catholicism, martial arts, military affairs, and youth organizations. There were also numerous encounters with schoolchildren and ordinary people.
The delegation was headed by Marquis Giacomo Paulucci di Calboli Barone, an Italian diplomat whom Mussolini had appointed president of the Istituto Luce, the state-controlled film and newsreel organization that played a major role in Fascist propaganda. In many of the newspaper photographs from the trip, Paulucci appears relaxed, smiling, and unusually informal for someone heading such a heavily choreographed political mission.
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| Caption: Marquis Paulucci and Governor-General Minami Jiro shaking hands at the Government-General. |
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| Original Caption: Women's National Women's Defense Association members greeting the delegation in front of Seoul Station |
On the day of the visit, the front page of the newspaper prominently featured on the headline, in Italian, "Benvenuto alla Missione Fascista Amica Italiana al nome della tutta la Chosen" or "Welcome to the Friendly Italian Fascist Mission, in the Name of All Korea", accompanied by a prominent portrait of Paulucci and the Japanese and Italian flags in full color. Evidently, Imperial officials went all out to ensure that their guests felt welcome.
What makes these articles especially interesting to me is that they capture Italian, Japanese, and Korean cultures and languages encountering one another in very concrete, everyday ways. The newspapers record what the delegates ate, which Korean foods they tried, where they went, what they thought of the places they saw, and even some of their attempts at Korean expressions such as “aigo” and “komapsumnida.”
The religious dimension is also interesting. The delegation made a point of attending Catholic Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral, while also visiting Shinto shrines and making ceremonial offerings.
I will try to share as much of this coverage as I can, divided into installments as time permits. Given the sheer volume of material, I may omit some of the longer ceremonial speeches when they do not appear to add much historical insight.
These newspapers preserve an unusually detailed record of a very brief visit, and much of the material is difficult to access unless one can read the original Japanese. I think the articles are fascinating primary sources, so I am making an effort to translate and share them here.
[Translation]
Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo), April 24, 1938
VIVA L’ITALIA
Welcome! The Italian Delegation
Amid an Outpouring of Enthusiastic Cheers, the Italian Delegation Enters Seoul
Arrived Today at 1:10 P.M. by Special Train
The Entire City Buried in Welcoming Flags
Amid cheers filled with the heartfelt devotion of all Korea, the Fascist Mission to Japan swept through showers of blossoms and traversed the Korean peninsula, now budding in fresh spring green, aboard the special observation “black train.” At 1:10 p.m. on April 23rd, with the cherry blossoms everywhere in magnificent full bloom, the party was engulfed in a storm of fervent welcome as it arrived in the capital, Seoul, taking its glorious first step here as a mission for the ages.
The sacred Anti-Comintern alliance between Japan and Italy, firmly bound together by the ideals of the purification of the world and of justice, stood solemnly affirmed. Still plainly visible on their faces was the emotion of more than a month spent in mainland Japan, upon which they had lavished the highest praise as:
“the astonishing land of Yamato, the Land of the Rising Sun, where the beauty of nature and the intellectual activity of a heroic people come together.”
As the members of the mission stepped down onto the station platform, Director of Political Affairs Ōno and the others raised both hands to greet the emissaries of the allied nation with cries of emotion and enthusiasm.
Oh! Viva l’Italia!
(Long live Italy!)
Viva la Missione Fascista!
(Long live the Fascist Mission!)
The party was headed by Marquis Giacomo Paulucci di Calboli Barone, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and President of the state-run film L'Instituto Luce. It included Giovanni Belelli, member of the Chamber of Deputies and inspector of the National Fascist Party; Edoardo Rossi, of the General Command of the Fascist Youth Organization; Console Camillo Canali, representative of the Fascist Blackshirt Militia (MVSN); Dr. Orlando di Collalto, representative of the Ministry of Popular Culture; and Professor Antonio Casuli, representative of Fascist education, together with representatives of the various occupational and functional sectors.
The mission numbered eighteen members, with four accompanying staff. Embodying in spirit and bearing every stratum of Fascism, they were met by the fervor of the Korean peninsula. Thus, amid mounting emotion, the magnificent first page was written in the historic fellowship between Japan and Italy, as Korea’s heartfelt welcome and the emissaries of the allied nation came firmly together.
First, a Visit to the Chōsen Shrine
On this day the capital, Seoul, presented a scene worthy of welcoming the emissaries of an allied nation. The blossom-clouded sky gave way to brilliant clear weather, while from Seoul Station throughout the streets the green, white, and red flags of Italy crossed amicably with the Japanese Hinomaru, fluttering in the spring breeze as though themselves sharing in the excitement.
The central entrance of Seoul Station and the entrance to the VIP room had been splendidly decorated, with Italian flags bearing the royal crown displayed above them. At Namdaemun, where fresh ivy shoots were budding, the flags of Japan and Italy were likewise crossed, and a large sign reading BENVENUTO (“Welcome”) hung in the center. The entire decorated city was caught up in a whirl of excitement over the arrival of the delegation.
The platform was packed with some four hundred persons, beginning with Director of Political Affairs Ōno and including members of the Korean nobility, all imperial-appointed civil and military officials stationed in the capital, and representatives of various organizations.
At 1:10 p.m., pushing through a blizzard of cherry blossoms and amid a storm of cheers loud enough to rend the air, the black special goodwill train arrived with a powerful rhythm that seemed to shake the very earth.
From the panoramic observation car stepped Marquis Paulucci, the head of the mission, followed by the other delegates, all dressed in black Fascist uniforms. Brimming with energy, they descended with brisk, vigorous steps, displaying the strict discipline of the Party. With their leader at the front, all twenty-two members of the party formed ranks.
In answer to the deafening cries of “Viva l’Italia!”, Marquis Paulucci and the other delegates raised their right hands high in the Fascist salute. Director of Political Affairs Ōno stepped forward and exchanged an emotional handshake with the Marquis, as the excitement around them swelled like a great wave.
Led by Stationmaster Haruta, the delegation then entered the VIP room, where they were introduced to the representatives of government and the public who had come to receive them. These included Central Council advisers Min Byeong-sang (閔丙爽, 민병상), Yi Yun-yong (李允用, 이윤용), and Yun Deok-yeong (尹徳栄, 윤덕영); Shinoda, head of the Office of the Yi Royal Household; Yoshida, Director of the Railway Bureau; Nakayama, head of the Army Accounting Department; Hayami, president of Keijō Imperial University; Kanja, the Governor of Gyeonggi Province; Saeki, mayor of Seoul; Kada, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and others.
At that moment fireworks burst in the spring sky, while the crowd of well-wishers in the square before the station continued to grow.
When the members of the mission formed ranks outside the VIP room, the Railway Bureau brass band struck up the Italian national anthem. The delegates responded by raising their right hands in the Party salute.
They then divided among fourteen waiting automobiles. From the station along Namdaemun Avenue, tens of thousands of schoolchildren and members of various organizations lined the streets in a sea of flags, while passionate cries of “Viva l’Italia!” rose from the crowds.
The delegation proceeded first to the Chōsen Shrine. Deeply impressed by the solemnity of the sacred grounds, glowing in the fresh green of spring, the delegates bowed before the shrine. Marquis Paulucci presented a tamagushi offering, and then raised his right hand in the Fascist salute.
Looking down from the shrine grounds upon the capital Seoul, buried beneath cherry blossoms, the visitors praised it as:
“A city that preserves the atmosphere of an ancient capital, yet at the same time is making a magnificent leap forward.”
They then returned to their automobiles and, passing once again through the storms of welcome lining the route, headed for the Government-General.
A Firm Handshake with Governor-General Minami
After visiting the Chōsen Shrine, the delegation arrived at the Government-General at 2:15 p.m.
Before their arrival, three section chiefs, Usui of Personnel, Isaka of Documents, and Fujimoto of Accounts, had assembled at the main entrance to receive them.
The members of the delegation stepped from more than a dozen automobiles and formed ranks before the entrance, once again displaying the strict discipline of the Fascist organization.
They were then conducted by Matsuzawa, head of the Foreign Affairs Department, through the main entrance and the great central hall into the First Conference Room.
Prior to their arrival, bureau and section chiefs of the Government-General and the governors of the various provinces had formed two ranks on the right side of the throne dais.
Governor-General Minami, formally attired in the dress uniform of an army general, entered the First Conference Room accompanied by Director of Political Affairs Ōno, Secretaries Kondō and Amaya, and Special Adviser Tōgō, and awaited the delegation.
Presently the visitors entered, led by Marquis Paulucci. They formed a single rank on the left side of the throne dais, facing the officials of the Government-General.
Governor-General Minami stepped forward and exchanged a very firm handshake with the Marquis.
It was a deeply moving scene: nothing less than a “handshake for the ages” symbolizing Japanese-Italian friendship.
The Marquis next shook hands with Director of Political Affairs Ōno. Then, following introductions by Foreign Affairs Department chief Matsuzawa, the Governor-General and Vice-Governor-General shook hands with each of the members of the delegation.
The Government-General officials then returned to their places and saluted. The Italian party responded by raising their right hands high in the Fascist salute.
Governor-General Minami stepped forward and, through Secretary Ogawa who interpreted, delivered the welcoming remarks printed elsewhere.
When he had finished, a toast was proposed with chilled sake. Marquis Paulucci then delivered a reply, after which another toast was raised.
Thus ended the delegation’s dramatic exchange of cordiality with the senior leadership of the central administration.
Accompanied by Governor-General Minami, the party then emerged from the main entrance and posed for a commemorative photograph, with Minami and Marquis Paulucci at the center.
Seen off by the Governor-General, the Vice-Governor-General, and the other officials, the delegation departed for the official residence of the Commander of the Korean Army in Yongsan.
Marquis Paulucci Replies to Governor-General Minami
In response to Governor-General Minami’s address of welcome, Marquis Paulucci, head of the Italian delegation, spoke as follows:
Your Excellency, ladies and gentlemen:
On behalf of myself and all the members of the Fascist national delegation, I offer my heartfelt thanks for the gracious words of welcome that you have just extended to us on behalf of the officials and people of Korea.
At the same time, I wish to express my sincere respect for the consideration shown in arranging for the presence here today of Their Excellencies the governors of the thirteen provinces.
Their attendance demonstrates the profound respect felt throughout the peninsula, among officials and civilians alike, toward Italy, and also manifests the welfare and peace established through the fusion of Japan and Korea as subjects of Japan.
We have been able to observe that, under the direction of the powerful Japanese Government, the political and economic development of Korea is proceeding rapidly, and that the union of Japanese blood and culture, built up over a long history, is becoming ever deeper both materially and spiritually.
Korea, which occupies an important geographical position and constitutes an important element of the Japanese Empire, has been united with Japan. I believe that the achievement here of a complete fusion of the Japanese and Korean peoples offers a guarantee of lasting peace on the Asian continent.
I would add that what has crowned the important geographical mission of Korea with still greater distinction is the conclusion last year of the Japanese-German-Italian Anti-Comintern Agreement.
This agreement represents an advance far surpassing even the ideal world envisioned by the League of Nations.
Your Excellency, how fortunate we should be if we were able to remain for an extended period and observe more fully this land over which Your Excellency exercises such brilliant rule in pursuit of lofty aims.
Our delegation will carry back to Italy the many joyful memories of this visit, and it will be our pleasure to tell our countrymen how Korea is developing today.
I now raise my glass and offer my wishes for the happiness and prosperity of all the people of Korea.
In Reply to Army Commander Koiso
In response to the welcome extended by Army Commander Koiso, Marquis Paulucci spoke as follows:
All of us in the delegation have spent several extremely pleasant weeks in Japan proper, and we are now most delighted to have had the opportunity, however brief and hurried our visit may be, to see this beautiful Korean Peninsula.
We fully understand the great importance of the security of this peninsula.
Our mother country, Italy, understands well the conditions by which true peace is brought about.
From the bottom of my heart, I offer my thanks for the profound sentiments Your Excellency has expressed toward the armed forces of Italy.
Korean Products Presented to the Delegation as Souvenirs
On the occasion of the Italian delegation’s visit to Korea, Governor-General Minami presented the members of the party with the following products of the peninsula as souvenirs:
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- Korean ginseng
- Cigarettes produced by the Government-General Monopoly Bureau
- Tablecloths depicting Korean scenery
The Seoul municipal authorities also presented the delegation with Goryeo-style ceramic vases.
Heaven and Earth, Dark and Yellow
The Italian Goodwill Delegation arrives in Seoul; all Korea turns out to give it a great welcome.
May these voices of welcome echo as far as the mountains and rivers of Italy.
And through the fervor of this welcome, may the bonds of friendship linking Japan and Italy grow ever firmer.
Prime Minister Konoe has recovered his health. At a Cabinet meeting he declared that, with renewed spirit, he would devote himself to affairs of state. For the moment, the political situation has therefore stabilized.
Carp streamers flutter in the great sky.
This year, in particular, they appear exceptionally gallant and heroic.
Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo), April 23, 1938
Benvenuto alla Missione Fascista Amica Italiana al nome della tutta la Chosen
Welcome to the Friendly Italian Fascist Mission, in the Name of All Korea
Editorial
Welcome to the Italian Delegation
Welcome, Italian Goodwill Delegation!
Led by Marquis Paulucci
All Korea Rises to Welcome the Delegation of Our Friendly Nation, Italy
Now, with the cherry blossoms in full bloom and both nature and mankind alike brimming with vigorous life, the joy with which the twenty-three million people of the Korean peninsula welcome the goodwill delegation from our allied nation, Italy, is something that words alone cannot adequately express.
We earnestly hope that the members of the delegation will recognize, wherever they travel throughout the peninsula, the true sincerity and wholehearted devotion of our compatriots, and that they will fully savor the spectacle of mountains and rivers everywhere filled with an air of rejoicing.
We have no doubt that, in Tokyo, in Osaka, and in the various other places they have already visited, the members of the delegation have encountered the spirit and vigor of the Japanese people as a whole, and have come to understand how sincerely Japan and the Japanese nation are devoting themselves to unity and cooperation with our allied nation, Italy.
At the same time, we believe that through all they have experienced during the course of this journey, they have come to understand fully what Bushidō means and what constitutes the true essence of the Imperial Way spirit.
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And now, as the members of the delegation pass through the peninsula, we fervently hope that, in witnessing the diligence and industriousness of our twenty-three million compatriots, their harmony and cooperation, and the true condition of the rapidly advancing industry and culture of the peninsula, they will recognize that wherever the spirit of the Imperial Way advances, the peace, welfare, and enlightenment of the masses necessarily follow.
◇
The world today stands at a great turning point and faces a new age.
At the center of that new age, and serving as its leaders, stand none other than the anti-Comintern camp centered upon Japan, Italy, and Germany.
Strangely enough, these three countries are entirely in accord in their spirit and vigor. In terms of their significance in world history, and in the fact that each is a modern nation advancing with remarkable speed, they seem to have been entrusted with a special mission for the new age.
Indeed, we must move resolutely forward, the anti-Comintern camp united as one, with a proud and independent spirit, toward the fulfillment of this great mission bestowed upon us by Heaven.
Here, therefore, while expressing our heartfelt welcome to the delegation, we also declare our convictions and pledge to strengthen our unity.
Photo captions: Upper photo: Marquis Paulucci and Governor-General Minami shaking hands at the Government-General; Lower Photo: Women's National Women's Defense Association members greeting the delegation in front of Seoul Station.
[Transcription]
京城日報 1938年4月24日
Viva L'Italia
歓迎！伊太利使節団
溢れる熱狂的歓呼裡に
伊太利使節団入城
きょう午后一時十分着特別列車で
全市、歓迎の小旗に埋る
全朝鮮の赤誠こもる歓呼の裡に訪日ファシスト使節団一行は花吹雪を衝いて新緑萌ゆる半島を特別展望”黒色列車”で縦断爛漫の桜花咲き誇る二十三日午後一時十分熱烈なる歓迎の嵐を浴びて首都京城に世紀の使節として晴の第一歩を印した。
世界浄化と正義の理想に固く結ばれた日伊防共の聖盟も厳かに『自然の美と英雄的民衆の智的活動が相合し驚くべき大和の国、日出ずる国』と絶讃を贈った月余に亘る内地での感激を再び眉宇にみなぎらせて駅頭フォームに降り立てば、大野政務総監始め双手を挙げて感激と熱狂の歓呼をもって盟邦の使節を迎える。
おお！ヴィヴァ・リタリア（伊太利万歳）、ヴィヴァ・ラ・ミッショーネ・ファシスタ！（ファシスト使節団万歳）
一行は特別全権大使兼国営映画ルーチェ総裁ジャコモ・パウリッチ・ディ・カルボーリ・バローメ侯を団長に、ファシスト党代表ジョヴァンニ・ベレルリ下院議員、ファシスト少年団総司令エドアルド・ロッシ将軍、国防国民軍代表カミーロ・カナーリ将軍、民衆文化省代表オルランド・ディ・コラルト博士、ファシスト教育代表アントニオ・カスーリ教授以下各職能代表を網羅した使節十八名（随員四名）でファシスト各階層の心魂、姿態の代表者で半島の熱誠と盟邦使節が固く交す日伊の歴史的交驩の豪華なる第一頁はかくて感激と燃えあがった。
先ず朝鮮神宮に参拝
この日、首都京城は盟邦使節を迎えるにふさわしい花曇りから日本晴れへ、京城駅頭から街路はいたるところ緑、白、赤のイタリー国旗と日の丸の旗が仲よく交叉して春風に翩翻と感激のはためきだ。盛装して待つ京城駅中央入口、貴賓室入口には王冠のある伊国国旗を掲げ蔦の新芽萌える南大門も日伊両国旗交叉して中央にベンベヌート（歓迎）の大額を掲げて盛装街は全く使節歓迎の興奮の渦巻。
プラットフォームには大野政務総監を始め朝鮮貴族、在城全勅任文武官、各種団体代表約四百名でギッシリと埋められた。
午後一時十分桜吹雪をかき分けて破れるような歓呼の嵐の中に黒色特別親善列車は地軸を揺がす力強いアクセントで到着。全展望車から黒いファシスト服で固めた団長パウリッチ侯以下使節は元気一杯に溌剌とした足どりで降り立ち厳格な党律を見せ、団長先頭に一行二十二名は整列。ヴィヴァ・リタリアの破れる歓迎の嵐に答えてパウリッチ侯以下何れも右手を高く翳してファシスト最高の敬礼、大野政務総監進んで感激の握手を交して興奮の怒濤なる。次いで春田駅長の先導で貴賓室に入り、出迎えの官民代表閔丙爽、李允用、尹徳栄各中枢院顧問、篠田李王職長官、吉田鉄道局長、中山軍経理部長、速水城大総長、甘蔗京畿道知事、佐伯府尹、賀田商工会頭らと面接を終る。
この時春空に花火が炸裂、駅頭広場は新に増す歓迎の群集、貴賓室広場で使節一行整列すれば鉄道局ブラスバンドは伊国国歌を吹奏すれば使節は右手を挙げての党律の挨拶で応え待ち構えた十四台の自動車に分乗駅頭から南大門通りを埋めた数万の学童、各種団体の旗の波と『ヴィヴァ・リタリア』の熱狂の歓声沸きあがる中を朝鮮神宮へ参拝、新緑萌える神苑の荘厳さに胸打たれ神前に拝礼してパウリッチ団長玉串を奉奠、右手をあげてファシスト最高の拝礼を終る。境内から桜に埋まれた首都京城の街を眺望『古都のおもかげを秘めしかも素晴らしき飛躍の街』と賞讃して再び自動車で沿道埋める歓迎の嵐を潜って総督府へ向った。
南総督と固き握手
朝鮮神宮に参拝した一行は午後二時十五分本府に到着する。これより先き本府正面玄関には碓井人事、井坂文書、藤本会計三課長が出迎える。十数台の自動車から降り立った一行は正面玄関に整列。ファシストの規律正しい處を見せる。やがて松沢外務部長の案内で正面玄関から中央大ホールを通って第一会議室に入場する。これより先、第一会議室には玉座右側に本府各局課長、各道知事が二列横隊に整列すれば南総督は陸軍大将普通礼服に威儀を正し、大野政務総監、近藤、天谷両秘書官、東郷御用掛を帯同して第一会議室に臨み一行を待つ。やがてパウリッチ侯を先頭とする一行は入場。玉座左側に本府側職員と相対して一列横隊に整列すれば南総督は進んでパ団長と固い固い握手が交わされる。これこそ日伊親善”世紀の握手”である感激の一シーンであった。
次いで大野政務総監と握手が交わされ、続いて松沢外務部長の紹介で総督、政務総監は団員一同に握手をなして本府側自席に就き一同敬礼すれば一行は右手を高く差し上げファシストの敬礼によってこれに答礼。総督は一歩前進小川書記官の通訳によって別項の如き歓迎の挨拶を述べ終って冷酒の乾盃をなせば使節団団長パウリッチ侯これに対して挨拶を行い再び乾盃を挙げて、ここに半島に於ける施政首脳部との劇的交驩を終り、南総督の案内で一行は正面玄関に現れ南総督、パ団長を中心に記念撮影をなし、総督、政務総監以下の見送裡に龍山朝鮮軍司令官官邸に向った。
南総督の挨拶にパ団長の挨拶
南総督の歓迎の辞に対し伊太利使節団長パウリッチ侯は左の如き挨拶をなした。
閣下並に各位、朝鮮官民を代表して只今御懇篤なる御挨拶を頂きましたことは私並にファシスト国民使節団一行の衷心より感謝する所であります。
同時に本日茲に十三道知事閣下の列席を得、半島疆内官民の伊太利に対する深甚なる敬意と日本臣民としての内鮮融合を確立せる福祉と平和とを表され下さいました御配慮に対し衷心より敬意を表する次第であります。
強大なる日本政府の御指導の下に朝鮮の政治、経済は急速なる進展をなし永き歴史に渉れる日本人の血液文化の結合は物質的にも精神的にも益々その度を高めつつあることを知り得ました。
日本帝国の重大要素として地理的にも重大なる朝鮮は日本と合体し同時にこの完全なる内鮮民の融合を見たことはアジア大陸永遠の平和を約束するものであると信じます。殊に地理的に重大なる朝鮮の使命に錦上花を添うるものは昨年の日独伊三国防共協定の締結であることを申上げたい。而してこの協定は国際聯盟の理想境よりも遥かに優る進歩であります。閣下若し閣下が高遠なる目的を目指し輝かしい御統治をなさるるこの土地に我々使節団一行の長期に亘る滞在を得て視察し得るならば私共はどんなにか幸いでありましょう。
我々視察団一行はこの喜悦溢るる記憶の数々を伊太利に持ち帰り朝鮮が現在如何に発展しつつあるかを語り得るを我々の喜びとする所であります。茲に盃を揚げて朝鮮の各位の御多幸と御隆昌とを祈ります。
小磯軍司令官の挨拶に対し
小磯軍司令官の歓迎に対しパウリッチ団長は左の如き挨拶をなした。
私共使節団一同は洵に愉快なる数旬を日本内地に過し今また飛脚的ではありますが、この美しい朝鮮半島を訪問することを得ましたのは最も欣快とする所であります。
私共はこの半島の安全なることが如何に重大なるかを充分諒知しておるのであります。
吾等の母国伊太利は真の平和の齎さるる所以をよく解するものであります。
私は衷心より閣下が伊太利国軍に与えられた深甚なる挨拶に対し感謝を表するものであります。
使節団一行に鮮産の土産
伊太利使節団の来鮮に際し南総督は一行に対する半島のお土産として左の品々を贈った
一、朝鮮人参
一、総督府専売局煙草
一、朝鮮風景を描けるテーブルクロス
なお京城府では一行に高麗焼花瓶を贈った。
天地玄黄
伊太利親善使節団来城、全鮮を挙げての大歓迎。
この歓呼の声、イタリーの山河にまでこだませむ。
しかしてこの歓迎の熱誠、日伊両国を結んで親善の実いよいよ固からむ。
近衛首相健康回復、心機一転政務に努力せむと閣議で挨拶。これにて政局一先ず安定。
大空にはためく鯉幟、今年に特に勇ましくも雄々しく眼に映ず。
京城日報 1938年4月23日
Benvenuto alla Missione Fascista Amica Italiana al nome della tutta la Chosen
社説
伊国使節団歓迎
歓迎！イタリー親善使節団！
使節団長パウリッチ侯
朝鮮は挙げて友邦伊太利使節団を歓迎
正にこれ桜花爛漫、人天倶に生気溌剌たるの時、半島二千三百万民衆が、盟邦イタリー親善使節団一行を迎うるの歓びは、言辞を以てよく尽す能わざるところ、希くは一行諸氏が半島到る處に於いて接するところの、我等同胞の誠心誠意の存ずるところを諒察せられ、山河の喜色に充ち満てる実状を満喫せられむことを切望して止まぬものである。
諸氏は既に東京に於いて、大阪に於いて、将た又他の各地に於いて、全日本国民の精神意気に接せられ、また、日本及日本国民が盟邦イタリーに対して、如何に心からなる団結協力の誠を致しつつあるかを察知せられたることを信じて疑わぬ。同時に諸氏が今回の旅行に方りて、随所に於いて体験せられたるところにより武士道の如何なるものであり、皇道精神の本義の如何なるものであるかを、十分に諒知せられたることを信ずるものである。
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而して諸氏は今半島を過ぐるに方り、半島二千三百万同胞の精励勤勉と親和協力と躍進する半島の産業文化の実相に接して、皇道精神の以て進むところ、大衆の平和と福利と光明の必然性を認得せられるべきを待望措かぬものである。
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今や世界は正に一大転換期にあり、新時代に直面しつつあるのであるが、その新時代の中軸たり、また指導者たるものは、実に日本、イタリー、ドイツを中心とする防共陣営に外ならぬ。而して此の三国は不思議にもその精神意気に於いて全く相通ずるものあり、その世界史的意義に於いて、何れも近代的躍進国であることに於いて、新時代への特殊使命を賦課されたるかの観がある。否、我等は此の天賦の大使命の達成に向って、防共陣営一体となって、自主の意気高く邁進しなければならぬ。我等はここに心からなる歓迎の意を表すると同時に、我等の所信を愬えて団結を固くせむことを誓うのである。
写真説明：（上）は本府にて南総督とパ団長の握手（下）は京城駅前国防婦人会員の使節団歓迎
Source: Digital Newspaper Archive, National Library of Korea
See also:
- Coverage of Nazi German newspaper delegation in Korea, May 1939 (link)
- Coverage of Fascist Spain's delegation in Korea, July 1940 (link)
