MUSSOLINI BENITO: (1883-1945) Italian Fascist Dictator of World War II. Executed. An excellent content and rare early Autograph Manuscript by Mussolini, three pages, 4to, n.p. [Rome], n.d. [April 1925], in Italian. Mussolini´s bold black ink manuscript is entitled `Prime Osservazioni´, ("Initial Observations"), contains multiple corrections, amendments, crossed and underlined sentences, some underlined in blue pencil, and relates to his opinions on the proposal of reforms in the Italian army presented by General Antonino Di Giorgio, Minister of war, stating in part `…L´ordinamento costringerá ad una dura battaglia perché investe in pieno la routine di talune mentalitá professionali…´ ("…The legal system will force a hard battle because it fully affects the routine of certain professional mentalities...") Mussolini considers the armed forces reforms proposal of law courageous because it would get rid of the conventional lies, saying `…per molti individui, l´esercito non è già lo strumento che la nazione si prepara per defendersi, ma è uno strumento di parata, di ordine pubblico, di difesa delle istituzioni..´ ("…for many individuals, the army is not yet the instrument that the nation is preparing to defend itself, but it is an instrument of parade, of public order, of defence of institutions...") Further again Mussolini concludes stating `…un ordinamento senza foglia di fico..´, the metaphorical expression refers to Adam and Eve fig leaf, indicating the intention to conceal a dishonest action, pretending to do one thing but actually doing another very different, hiding the true situation, and for this reason he is in favour of removing the fig leaf from the regulations and explain openly the real situation. Including a full transcription of the manuscript. Very small overall age wear, with pinholes to the corners, and few very small holes to the last page, none affecting the text. Very small minor traces of former affixing to corners, otherwise G

 

Antonino Di Giorgio (1867-1932) Italian General. Participated in World War One. Minister of war 1924-25 under Mussolini.

Both the Superior Council of the Army and the Senate rejected Di Giorgio´s reform of the Armed Forces.