Andreotti's son responds to Rita Dalla Chiesa: 'Accusing my father slaps his memory'

No disagreement between Andreotti and General Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa. Stefano Andreotti, after the controversy surrounding Rita Dalla Chiesa's words on the 'favour done to a politician' with the murder of his father General, which took place in Palermo on 3 September 1982, intervened by assuring that there was no rancour between his father and the Carabinieri General.

"Accusing my father of his possible involvement in a murder or of having relations with the Mafia is a slap in the face to his memory and his history," says the son of the 7-time Prime Minister. Stefano Andreotti, said he was 'saddened by the words' of Rita Dalla Chiesa on a possible involvement of the DC statesman in the assassination of General Carlo Alberto dalla Chiesa. "The Palermo and Perugia sentences have denied" any hypothesis in this sense, stresses Stefano Andreotti, who recalls how instead between his father and the general "there was a relationship of great mutual esteem". Indeed: in support of the cordial relations between the two, after relying on his memories, in a long interview with AdnKronos, Stefano Andreotti discloses an exchange of correspondence dating back to 1979.

In the first letter -dated 3rd September, 1979- it is Giulio Andreotti who addresses the General, writing that he has appreciated his choice to remain at the head of the anti-terrorist nucleus, renouncing to return to the post of General of the Carabinieri. "Dear General," wrote Andreotti, who had just left Palazzo Chigi where Francesco Cossiga had arrived, "I know that accepting confirmation to the post costs you, but I also know your patriotism and I think of what effect the announcement of a different solution would have had and we must therefore be even more grateful. Best wishes for good work and cordial greetings'.

On the 16th of the same month, Dalla Chiesa replied: 'I am so grateful to you for the sentiments of solidarity and encouragement that you were pleased to send me, I knew of your benevolence and - with a hint of presumption - also of your consideration, but to have been able to read such kind expressions, at a time of particular inner turmoil and when I most aspired to my return to the ranks and therefore to the shadows, did me good and gave me the bit of oxygen I needed,' wrote the general. "I continue to hope that in the space of a few months my aspirations may find their fulfilment that the emotional states will also grant space to those who, more than appearances, intend to keep the faith of humility and modesty in the service of our State, but it is also certain that in the interlude for which I am asked to continue to play a part, my performance will be characterised, as you ask, by the most genuine sense of responsibility towards the government and towards the community. I renew to you, Mr President, my gratitude,' the text concludes.