OSS and Partisans

Italy’s nascent Resistance movement which accelerated its activities after the nation became a supporter of the Allied cause against their enemies was definitely palpable in areas north of Rome, and was likewise evident in the stream of tens of thousands who joined Partisan resistance groups that had surfaced and fought guerilla-type warfare. When the Allies first landed in southern Italy, they had not expected to find a large-scale partisan movement and indeed the only partisan activity that occurred in 1943, other than in Naples, was sporadic and ineffectual. However, Resistance activities increased during the winter of 1943–1944 to such a degree that the Allies began supplying some partisan groups, albeit in a limited fashion. It was during the siege of Rome in the spring and summer of 1944 that the Allies took greater cognizance of the value of partisan activity and began to amplify the rate and quantity of support extended to them. Although at first the Allies limited the amount of equipment sent to partisans, the Supreme Allied Commander in the Mediterranean came to acknowledge the valuable role of partisans, by expanding aid to them in the form of thousands of tons of supplies delivered to them behind the German lines, mostly by air drop. In addition, the OSS sent money in the form of lire and gold for necessary expenses. It was essential to be very circumspect in supplying Italian partisans or the results could be disastrous. In the matter of clothes, for example, the OSS went to great lengths not to endanger them with incorrect apparel.