Well, if this doesn’t sound familiar…
Mussolini Plans Fascisti Militia For “God and Country”
Unpaid “Black Shirt” Force of 70,000 Apparently Modeled After U.S. State Troops
Rome, Dec. 20 (Associated Press). — Plans for transforming the militant section of the Fascisti into “the militia for national safety,” are in the hands of Premier Mussolini and will be discussed first by the Fascisti leaders and then by the next Council of Ministers.
According to these plans, the new militia will be independent from but will work in unison with the police force and will be at the services of “God and country.”
Only 70,000 men will be allowed to join at first, chosen from those who have given the best proofs of courage, self sacrifice and high moral qualities. The officers will be nominated by royal decree. In case of war the new militia will form an integral part of the army.
There will be no pay, except a very small stipend when the men are employed outside their home towns. The uniform will be the black shirt of the Fascisti.
Source: The Evening World (New York City, NY newspaper). December 20, 1922.
