Word: pantelleria
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Dates: during 1935-1935
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Simultaneously the Island of Pantelleria achieved fame as Italy's "Key to the Mediterranean." Its inhabitants of nearly 10,000 were placed by Benito Mussolini in a "state of siege" and preparations were rushed full blast to use it as an Italian submarine and bombing plane base. Boasted proud Pantellerians prematurely: "Our island, because it lies in the middle of the narrowest part of the Mediterranean, commands the channel and divides the British forces...