Problem Son of Mussolini

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 60, 12 March 1938, Page 2

Problem Son of Mussolini

‘‘ LINDBERGH ’' OF ITALY! Why has Bruno Mussolini become a flier? This is a question discussed by a special correspondent of the Sunday Express, who writes: The answer to the question is guarded behind the walls of the Villa Torlonia, Rome residence of Signor Mussolini, and the Villa Carpena, near Fcrli. quiet home of Donna Rachele, his inconspicuous wife, Bruno's mother. I have been able to unravel the family secret. A life of influence, with control of] Important offices in the Italian State, ihas been arranged by the Duce for all' •who carry the name of Mussolini. But Druno was difficult. The Duce watched his second son develop into a shy, backward youngs' er without much ambition, and he Was helpless to do anything about it. Brftno was the problem child of the family. At seventeen he was an uncommunicative young man, suffering from an unconquerable inferiority complex. Youngest Pilot. Bruno talked little to people he knew, preferring to seek refuge behind his elder brother Vittorio’s wide shoulders. Father sent the two boys on extended trips hoping acquaintance with foreign countries would strengthen their characters and improve their knowledge. It showed results with Vittorio, not with Bruno. The solution to Signor Mussolini’s problem came by itself. Mussolini’s ambitious plans included the building of a great air fleet. To encourage others he ordered his two sons to learn to fly. Soon Bruno became the youngest pilot with a licence in Italy. Six months later the world became aware that Mussolini was preparing for a coup in Abyssinia. In August 1935 the two Mussilino brothers followed Count Ciano, the Duce’s son-in-law, into an African war adventure. Among fliers and daredevils, Vittorio and Ciano, representatives of the Mussolini family, vied for their colleagues’ admiration. Ciano became top man with Vittorio a close second. Bruno, unable to beat his inferiority complex, found solace in the lone company of his airplane. “Now Go Ahead.” Here is a dialogue which took place at the Villa Torlonia in Rome soon after the return of the two brothers from Abyssinia. “What now?” the Duce asked his second son. Have you any plans for your future?” “Yes, father,” Bruno answered. “I have made up my mind. I would like to remain an aviator.” “Do you realise the dangers in an aviator’s career?” queried the father. “Are you cure you can manage it and not bring disgrace to the name you carry?” “I do.'. . “Then go ahead and show what a Mussolini can do.” The Duce remembered—so I have been told —that America’s Lindbergh achieved fame despite his world-known shyness. So why not a Mussolini? This was the happy solution to Bruno’s problem. Mussolini’s plan met with strong resistance from Donna Rachele, who begged him not to thrust Bruno into a flying career. But the Duce was adamant.

That is why, while Ciano is being groomed for the post of future Dictator, while Vittorio is assigned Xj become the film “kmg” of Italy, Bruno is scheduled to become Italy’s Lindbergh. He has been given the best flying instructors in Italy, Lieut.-Colonel Biseo, Major Tessore, and Captain Forte. He is being credited with his co-pilots’ deeds. He may not attempt any daring solo flights as yet. The best flying crew in Italy was selected for his plane for his flight last week to Rio de Janeiro. Although three planes flew in formation, two were merely escorts for Bruno.