from the returns an important part of the unemployment which actually exists. · · A correct estimate, however, of economic conditions requires count to be taken of the Italians who, failing .to find employment in their own country, have sought it abroad. Tlie Italian emigration registered in i'921-_22 amounted to 180,000; the ·actual figure was probably about 225,000, which after deducting 80,000 repatriated leaves a net emigration figure of 145,000. The official figure for 1922-23 was 309,000, the actual probably 400,060, and repatriation 60,000, leaving net emigration 340,000. Adding this to the 261 ,ooo unemployed, we nave a total substantially in excess of the corresponding figures for preceding years. The Fascists have made much of the fact that there have been fewer strikes : 156 during the first Fascist year, 680 in the year before, with a reduction of 90 per cent. in the number of strikers. There is no doubt tliat the bludgeon and the absolute non-existence of freedom of organisation and assembly are a material hindrance to strikes. A century ago ther~ were no strikes at all. To-day in Italy no men strike or can strike except the members of the Fascist organisations. · But the numbers of strikes are also influenced by economic conditions. In periods of crisis and economic depression the ·number of strikes · diminishes. The British experience shows this. There, there is neither Bolshevism nor Fascism, and despite full liberty the number of strikers in 1921 was 1,801,000, with 85 million days lost, and in 1923 (nine months) 358,000, with eight million days lost. Note.-The Ministry of Agriculture and the Fascist papers have taken credit for the increased grain crop of 1922-23, which amounted to 54 million quintals, showing an excess over 1921-22. But the crop ·was sown 9 Biblioteca Gino Bianco
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