The Life and Times of the Sicilian Robin Hood

The Italian Communist Party was showing surprising strength, particularly in the industrial north of Italy.  Giuliano sent a second letter to Truman:

[Translator's summary of communication, dated April 13, 1948.  Addressed to the President.  Name and address of writer:  "Giuliano," Montelepre, Sicily, Italy]

The writer is "Giuliano" (Note: a very famous Sicilian bandit chief, probably the most famous living criminal in Italy.)  He offers his services to the President in connection with the inevitable war with Russia.  He stresses that Russian agents have repeatedly contacted him with the aim of trying to enlist his support, but he tells the President that he is a firm believer in the principles of Democracy and will, until his dying day, fight for Peace, Liberty, and Justice.  He makes it clear that, even if the President should find it impossible to permit him to support Untied States' policy for international reasons, he will persevere in his anti-Communist efforts.  The rest of his letter stresses the fact that he is an idealist at heart, and that while he has committed many crimes, he has not committed all that he has been accused of.

(Harry S. Truman archives)

Giuliano had altered his plea.  The increase in appeal of the Communists throughout Italy and Sicily prompted greater concern for him than the issue of separation.  He decided to support the party advocating the return of the monarchy, and declared war on the Sicilian Communists. 

Actually, it was a war that he had been waging for over a year.