| Chapter 1: | Italy from the American Immigration Quota Act of 1921 to Mussolini’s Policy of Grossraum, 1921–1924 |
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- 1. Grant the Italian Maritime Companies the exclusive right to transport emigrants from the Italian ports until the end of July 1922.
- 2. Increase the price of freight for the next 12 months to compensate for the decrease of emigrants.
- 3. Increase the price for passengers traveling in first and second class.
- 4. Reduce maritime personnel.
- 5. Reduce the wages of the crews.
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6. Abolish the 2 percent reduction in salary (established by the recruiting contract), in favor of the seamen.12
On May 21, the chief secretary of the Council, Dr. Berio, presented to Prime Minister Giolitti these proposals with a personal note stating: “In my opinion, in the present situation we have no other choice but to accept the proposals of the Maritime Companies.”13 Prime Minister Giolitti agreed, adding: “I give my approval to these proposals, above all to the one which grants the Italian Maritime Companies the exclusive right of transporting emigrants. Nevertheless, we must find a way to prevent the emigrants embarking from foreign ports.” Giolitti gave the impression that barring Italian emigrants from non-Italian ports would solve major consequences for Italy posed by the Johnson Bill. However, the serious consequences which the American decision would have on the political, social, and economic life of Italy could not have escaped a man of his political and parliamentary experience. Without the safety valve of emigration, surplus manpower had to be absorbed within the Italian semi-industrial system.14