Free Saving Italy: The Race to Rescue a Nation's Treasures from the Nazis by Robert M. Edsel Page B

frankly not sure, my Führer. Most of my SS and Police troops have still not arrived. At the moment I am trying to recruit voluntary forces from within the population of South Tyrol and the remaining Italian Fascists to strengthen our troops, but even with greatest attention this takes all my time.” Wolff then explained that such an operation would require locating experts fluent in Latin and Greek to assist in the analysis of the Vatican’s immense archives. Wolff estimated he would need about six weeks. “This seems too long a time for me!” exclaimed the Führer. “I would prefer to deal with the Vatican immediately and clear it out.” But after a few tense moments, Hitler seemed resigned to waiting and added, “If one wants a first class result, one cannot expect it to take place overnight.”
    ON OCTOBER 1, 1943, German radio announced: “The U.S. President of the European Monuments and Art Treasures Committee, an organisation consisting of thieves and Jews, said in a statement to the Press that a large number of maps are being distributed to U.S. soldiers to enable them to trace artistic treasures easily. A well-known gangster has been appointed as Director of the Committee.”
    Nazi propaganda specialists characterized the intent of the Roberts Commission, and the work of the Monuments officers, as a premeditated looting operation. Fourteen days later, Radio Rome provided an update: “The first ships left Sicily for London today with precious works of art, some of which will go to the British Museum and some to private collections.” These two radio addresses marked the opening salvo in the battle for public opinion in Italy. The Americans had no immediate response. For months, Europeans would hear only the German and Italian side of the story, breeding fear and suspicion of Anglo-Americans claiming to be interested in protecting their art.
----
    * Stout would also be in harm’s way as the de facto leader of the Monuments Men attached to the Western Allied forces in northern Europe.
    * Later in 1943, at the urging of Gestapo Chief SS Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Kappler, a white line was painted across St. Peter’s Square, indicating for German troops the boundary of neutral Vatican City. However, others believed it served as a reminder to occupants of the Vatican that they were prisoners.
    † This is an imprecise reference. Salò was one of several northern Italian towns serving as headquarters for various government offices. Salò did, however, house the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

5
    GROWING PAINS
    SEPTEMBER– DECEMBER 1943
    O n September 25, Deane Keller received orders to report for active duty at Fort Myer, Virginia. From there he hoped to report to the army’s School of Military Government in North Africa as part of the unit being formed to protect monuments and works of art. While getting to Italy still seemed a far-flung dream, at least his journey had begun.
    Being in the army thrilled Keller. Between the draft and enlistments, the war had claimed most of the students from his classroom, taking much of the joy out of teaching. There would be hardships, of course. He told himself he wouldn’t miss having a car, and he made peace being without his drawing studio; these were adjustments he could make. Besides, with pencil and paper, he could draw anywhere. But making arrangements for his army pay to be sent to his wife, Kathy, somehow made the situation all too real. He fought the anxiety by writing letters—lots of letters—to his sisters, to his parents, but mostly to Kathy and their three-year-old son. Letters back and forth became his lifeline, as they did for many new soldiers.
    Deane’s father sent him intellectual letters that discussed his political views on the war. But those with his mother’s soft touch and tender understanding helped sustain him. She wrote to him on October 7, acknowledging that his military service “is a big sacrifice for you, but I am thankful you can see