ITALY: De Basis' Valedictory

Three weeks ago an unknown German plane droned in the still air above Rome showering anti-Fascist leaflets on the red tile roofs. Blue-helmeted Roman police and furious Fascists formed themselves instantly into a corps of gleaners and rushed about garnering as the leaflets fell, but the snow of propaganda was too heavy for them; thousands fell into the hands of citizens. Out at Rome's airport mechanics rushed from store rooms with loaded machine gun belts. Pursuit planes took off. The mysterious plane disappeared, has not been seen since.

Fortnight ago it was...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!