Hitler and Mussolini meet at Venice and reach agreement . Meeting at Venice , Hitler of Germany and Mussolini of Italy have reached an agreement . It prepares the way for Germany 's return to the League and provides for Austria 's independence . The meeting of the two statesmen has focused the attention of all the world and is one of the most historic events of modern politics . It is the first time that the dictators have met face to face . View of the Grand Canal , with many torpedo boats in the Canal for the occasion , and ranks of Fascist troops seen ashore to the right . 16 June 1934