Benito Mussolini
Rome, August 7, 1923
Mussolini Writes on Harding's Death to Fascist Sympathizer, Richard Washburn Child
TLS

Fine content and association typed letter signed by Benito Mussolini, one page, 8" x 10". Sent from Rome as President of the Council of Ministers, August 7, 1923, to Richard Washburn Child, American Ambassador to Italy an avid supporter of fascism. Boldy signed and in fine condition.

A far cry from the usual diplomatic expression of condolence, in this letter Mussolini baldly uses the occasion of Warren G. Harding's death to bolster his commitment to Italian-American cooperation. In part: "…I hope that the hard blow [which has struck] the American Nation…will not interrupt the work we have undertaken together in the interest of the two Peoples. Misfortune is inexorably [in] small and large figures; but from the latter the good men will draw example and the guidance to persevere. This will be our common goal…I will always be happy to be allowed to cooperate with [the United States…."

After World War I the United States, weary of war and the ensuing peace negotiations, supported Warren G. Harding's promise of "a return to normalcy." At the same time, a new leader was emerging in Italy: Benito Mussolini, "Il Duce." Americans quickly embraced the charismatic personality of this self-made man who hated communism and upheld the core values of the American dream of business advancement, pursuit of happiness and order. In fact, even Charles Evans Hughes, Harding's Secretary of State from 1921-1925, openly supported Mussolini.

The recipient of this letter, Robert Washburn Child (1881-1935) was also an avid supporter of fascism and, as Ambassador to Rome from 1921-1924, encouraged Mussolini's March on Rome in October 1922. Child called Mussolini "the greatest figure of this sphere and time," and continued to promote his belief in Mussolini as an almost Messianic figure in articles for "The Saturday Evening Post," extolling the promise of Fascism as an effective political alternative to American democracy.

In 1928, Child became a paid propaganda writer for Mussolini and ghostwrote the dictator's autobiography serialized in "The Saturday Evening Post."

Less than three weeks after this letter and in the wake of a military crisis between Greece and Italy resulting from the murder of an Italian boundary delegation, Mussolini would order the bombing of the Greek island of Corfu, killing 20 people and injuring 32, all of whom were civilians and many being children.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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8" x 11"