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- 9I - B

give advice. Were not those whom he had told to go to Switzerland now blaming him for being exiles there?

On returning Home Antonio told us that during our absence an engineer sent by the banking concern that takes charge of our house had come to speak of a refuge they had proposed building for us some time ago. Antonio at once requested joined him on the communist danger. He replied that no disturbance was expected. There would be a peaceful exchange of Governments fully prepared for any emergency. That the two 'Signore' were to be reassured. Now who are we to believe? The pessimistic Consul or the optimistic official?

June 21st 
A continuous bombing of the German convoys on Via Romana, below our hill. The alarm is rarely given now, for swift bombing aeroplanes are flying about all the time. Anti-air guns are also being fired from German tanks. We saw an aeroplane being brought down yesterday by one of these. The news goes round that the Allies will be here in a very few days.

July
I stopped writing for nearly a month and hid these notes in the garden. Like everyone else we have been hiding our trunks and boxes in all possible places through from whom or from what no one knows precisely. Some fear the Germans, other the Partigiani, others the Italians. The Allies have not yet arrived but their guns are getting nearer. Opinions differ as to what the near future has in store: some hold that there will be famine and great disorder, others that peace and plenty will accompany the Allied Armies.