Part Of Mussolini’s Brain Lost

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30982, 11 February 1966, Page 11

Part Of Mussolini’s Brain Lost

(N.Z P A -Reuter—Copyright) WASHINGTON, February 10.

Puzzled United States officials yesterday tried to trace a fragment of the brain of the Italian dictator, Benito Mussolini, which his widow wants back.

The Italian weekly magazine, “Gente,' quoted the dictator’s son, Vittorio Mussolini, as saying an American doctor took part of the brain to the United States for examination after he was executed by partisans in 1945.

His mother. Donna Rachele Mussolini, now wanted this back as she said she would have no peace till all the remains, including the missing portion of the brain, rested in the family tomb at Predappio, according to the magazine. The brain fragment was removed by Dr. Windred Overholser, director of a Washington psychiatric hospital, the magazine said. In Washington. State Department officials said they knew nothing about the missing brain fragment. Dr. Overholser died in 1964. Any clue to where the brain sectors are located probably died with him. They did exist, though, and were seen in 1955 by a reporter for the "Washington Star," John McKelway, who

recalled the incident. McKelway said he had heard there was a piece of Mussolini’s brain around town, and he asked Dr. Overholser about it “He said, ‘Oh yes, Mussolini’s brain. 1 have it right here.' "He went over to his safe and pulled out this little bottle with a little tiny piece of something in it. It looked like chicken liver.” After that visit, McKelway wrote: "As Dr. Overholser said, standing there somewhat sadly with the bottle in his hands: We had a wonderful chance to prove something . but the thing fell flat’.’’ The State Department said. "The United States Government has not received any communication about Mussolini’s brain.”