* Mussolini, Benito. Handwritten telegram signed ("Mussolini"), 2-pages (8.25 x 12 in.; 210 x 305 mm), in Italian, on printed "Il Duce Del Fascismo Capo Del Governo Telegrama In Partenza" forms, 29 December 1943, written to German Field Marshal Albert Kesselring. Accompanied by original typewritten transcription of Mussolini's telegram. Usual folds with tape applied to uppermost edges.As Generals Clark and Montgomery push towards Rome, Mussolini telegraphs German Field Marshal Albert Kesselring to "remove the Anglo Saxon enemy out of the sunlight of our country" and be the "defender and Savior of Rome". Mussolini writes in full (translated from Italian): To Officers, NCO's and Soldiers of the Great Nation of Germany who, with much valor and much tenacity fought on the Italian Central front, I give them my fervent best wishes for good fortune (in that they would have victory). With the same best wishes to Italian men and Italian Volunteers in German units and the certainty that they will battle with decision and courage to remove the Anglo Saxon enemy out of the sunlight of our country. And to you M. Kesselring, accept my friendly and cordial salute with the hope and certainty that I many soon salute you one day as the defender and Savior of Rome. MussoliniAfter Germany had almost completely conquered France in 1940, Mussolini entered the war and invaded southern France. A few days later, France surrendered, but disaster after disaster followed elsewhere for the Italian armies. In Africa, Greece, and finally Italy itself, Mussolini's armies met defeat. The Fascist Grand Council turned against him in 1943, and he was overthrown and imprisoned; yet German paratroopers rescued him. Mussolini then became head of a puppet government in northern Italy. In the spring of 1945, German forces in northern Italy collapsed. Mussolini fled north toward the border, and the Italian underground discovered them at Lake Como where Mussolini was shot. From the collection of William J. Bell. $1,500 - $2,500