-Caveat Lector- ------- Forwarded message follows -------
From http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,708381,00.html > > The new research comes just as far-right activists, galvanised by > France's Jean-Marie Le Pen, have plastered Rome with hundreds of > posters of Mussolini. }}}>Begin Research hints at ill Duce's syphilis Rory Carroll in Rome Thursday May 2, 2002 The Guardian Benito Mussolini exploited a grenade wound in the first world war to cover up syphilis, according to new research which would explain the Italian dictator's uncharacteristic refusal to boast about his heroism at the front. Generations of historians have accepted Mussolini's claim that he was hit by shrapnel during grenade practice in February 1917, obliging him to spend the rest of the war convalescing. However, an examination of records in the state archives in Rome has exposed inconsistencies which suggest Il Duce lied about his condition. Paul O'Brien, an Irish historian, has published the findings in the latest edition of Contemporary Italy, an academic journal. Mr O'Brien's tracing of medical records shows that two months after he was hospitalised an army doctor declared Mussolini's condition to be "extremely good". Yet the embryonic fascist spent another four months in the Milan hospital, and then in August was given a year to convalesce. On July 24 the clinic noted his wounds had closed, but later the patient wrote to friends saying he remained bed-bound because the wounds had not closed. Mussolini also instructed the newspaper he founded and edited at the outbreak of war, Il Popolo d'Italia, not to report on his treatment, and shunned an opportunity to have his his courage and sacrifice hailed. Mr O'Brien says that either the grenade wound was exaggerated, or the future dictator had an embarrassing ailment he wanted hushed up. The syphilis theory fits with rumours which circulated in Italy during his rule - and his chronic gastric problems, a symptom of the sexual disease. The historian notes that Mussolini's personal physician, Ambrogio Binda, was a close friend who could have invented a wound to leg muscles - which other doctors made no mention of - to excuse his mobility problems. The new research comes just as far-right activists, galvanised by France's Jean- Marie Le Pen, have plastered Rome with hundreds of posters of Mussolini. Guardian Unlimited � Guardian Newspapers Limited 2002 End<{{{ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Forwarded as information only; no automatic endorsement + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, this material is distributed without charge or profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this type of information for non-profit research and educational purposes only. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + "Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe simply because it has been handed down for many generations. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is written in Holy Scriptures. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of Teachers, elders or wise men. Believe only after careful observation and analysis, when you find that it agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all. Then accept it and live up to it." The Buddha on Belief, from the Kalama Sutta + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + "Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." --- Ernest Hemingway ------- End of forwarded message ------- <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/";>www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance�not soap-boxing�please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'�with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds�is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html <A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html";>Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/";>ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
