MUSSOLINI BENITO: (1883-1945) Italian Fascist Dictator of World War II. Executed. An excellent and rare Autograph Manuscript by Mussolini, one page, 4to, n.p. [Rome], 23^rd January 1931, in Italian. Mussolini´s bold black ink manuscript is written to the verso of a printed proof page from his Dottrina del Fascismo ("Doctrine of Fascism") which would be published a year later, and refers to Balbo´s transatlantic flight, recommending the grant of the gold medal for his aeronautical merits, stating in part `..ad Orbetello per oltre un anno, e in silenzio, uomini e machine, per la crociera transatlantica. A preparazione materiale e morale ultimate, assumeva il Comando della Squadra e attraverso poche tappe difficili e fortunose effetuava con undici apparecchi.. il grande volo oceanico, mai prima tentato in formazione.. esempio altissimo di perizia e di ardimento..´ ("..at Orbetello, for over a year, and in silence, men and machines, worked on the transatlantic cruise. With the material and moral preparation completed, he [Balbo] assumed command of the squad and through a few difficult and fortunate stages he carried out with eleven aircrafts… the great ocean flight, never before attempted in formation .. a very high example of expertise and courage.."), further and demonstrating that the new regime leaders are the first to prove `..nell´adempimento del dovere e nello sprezzo del pericolo´ (".. in the fulfilment of duty and in contempt of danger") Two years later Mussolini, concerned because of the increase of popularity of Balbo, appointed the Marshal of the Italian Air Force Governor-general of the Italian colony of Lybia. Upper corners clipped and pinhole to corners, otherwise G

 

Italo Balbo (1896-1940) Italian Marshal of the Air Force and heir apparent to Benito Mussolini.

Balbo led several transatlantic flights. The first, and the one referred to by Mussolini in the present manuscript, consisted of twelve flying boats (initially fourteen), Savoia-Marchetti S-55, departing from Orbetello on 17^th December 1930, reaching Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and returning to Italy on 15^th January 1931.