811.00F/163
The Consul at Trieste (Winslow) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 7.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that it appears that pressure is brought by Italian fascists upon naturalized American citizens of Italian birth to induce them to become members of the Fascist party and to take the Fascist oath of allegiance and that Italian officials endeavor to control the actions, in the United States, of naturalized Americans of Italian birth. An excellent example of both activities is represented by the case of Aurelio Toppano which is reported herewith, while no better example of the latter activity may be found than that of Guido Cimador whose case was reported in this Consulate’s despatch No. 289 of August 11, 1933, and a report to the Embassy at Rome dated August 28, 1933.22
The Department’s instruction of September 11, 1933,22 authorized the issuance of a passport to Aurelio Toppano valid for one year. After the passport had been executed it was discovered that the photographs presented showed Toppano to have in his lapel a Fascist button thus indicating him to be a member of the Fascist party. He was asked to present himself at the Consulate and upon invitation he voluntarily surrendered his Fascist membership card as enclosed herewith. The Fascist oath which appears over Toppano’s signature may be translated as follows:
“In the name of God and of Italy, I swear to obey the orders of the Duce and to serve with all my strength (or power) and, if it is necessary with my blood, the cause of the Fascist Revolution.”
As will be noted from Toppano’s affidavit as attached hereto,22 he apparently did not realize that he had taken an oath and was induced to become a member of the Fascist party because of special privileges promised to him while here and when in the United States. One of the most interesting promises was that the Italian Consul in the United States through fascists and regardless of Toppano’s American citizenship, would, in view of his Fascist membership, assist him in obtaining work in the United States.
It is understood that the Fascist oath appears in application forms for membership but Toppano did not recall having seen it.
If the Department desires further information on the case it may address Toppano in care of his cousin, Victor Toppano, at R.F.D. No. 2, Walla Walla, Washington, after December 15, 1933.
In view of the new facts presented Toppano was requested to execute a revised form No. 213, which is enclosed herewith22
[Page 591]I take this occasion to commend the efficient manner in which Vice Consul T. Monroe Fisher handled this case.
Respectfully yours,