King and Mussolini open Italy ' s last parliament . Italy ' s armed forces must be efficient . The last of the Italian Parliaments was opened in Rome by King Victor Emmanuel and Signor Mussolini . In future legislative powers will be vested in the Fascist Grand Council . Signor Mussolini led the deputies in swearing allegiance to the King , but the customery phrase ' and to his royal successors ' was omitted . The King in his speech said that Italy desired peace and the great guarantee of this lay in the efficiency of Italy ' s armed forces . Photo shows ; the scene at the opening of the new Parliament . King Victor Emmanuel is seated on the throne , and Signor Mussolini is speaking . 30 April 1934