December 2016 Auction Ends Thursday, December 15th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2016
Benito Mussolini autograph letter signed, datelined Rome, 20 November 1927 when Mussolini served as Italian Prime Minister and also Duce of Fascism. In this letter to Finance Minister Giuseppe Volpi, Mussolini outlines cuts to the 1928-29 budget, including ''demobilizing the Libyan military apparatus''; it would be a year later, in 1928, that Italy began the Pacification of Libya resulting in genocide and war crimes. Letter on ''Head of Government'' stationery reads in full, ''Dear Volpi, I am replying to your communication concerning the budget estimates for the individual ministries for the 1928-29 budget. The situation is extremely delicate, it seems to me, for which reason I am ready to support the most draconian measures with the goal of safeguarding at least a balanced budget, a pillar of the State. I am therefore in agreement with the elimination of the 150 million requested by Aviation and the 48 requested by Interior and with the reduction in the allocation for earthquakes and for the Colonies. With regard to that last ministry, I remind you of the letter I wrote to our colleague Federzoni about the necessity of demobilizing the Libyan military apparatus, which is as imposing as if it was fighting a world war. I am also in agreement with the cut to the Public Works budget. The southern regions - since this is what is at issue - can pause for a year. We have done very great and solemn things down there that were perhaps not strictly utilitarian. We have spent billions. We have done in three years what is not done in fifty. The backwardness has been in large part overcome. It's now possible to slow down and wait. Watchword: a balanced budget, first of all and above all. Cut therefore, without ceremony, since the subject does not permit indulgences that risk putting a brake on the Regime's entire five-year effort. / Mussolini / Rome, 20 November 1927 - Year VI''. Two page letter on card-style stationery measures 8'' x 10''. Single fold, small punch hole and light toning, otherwise near fine condition.
Benito Mussolini Autograph Letter Signed as Prime Minister and Duce of Fascism -- ''...The situation is extremely delicate...for which reason I am ready to support the most draconian measures...''
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