Italian Wings Over the Skies of Brazil

During a Latin American expedition, Italian General Italo Balbo led an Atlantic crossing with his seaplane squadron, which departed from Boloma, entered Brazilian territory via Natal, and concluded its voyage in Rio de Janeiro. The fascist squadron arrived at Enseada de Botafogo, where crowds, many in boats, cheered as the seaplanes descended. A group of officers conducted profile inspections of the troops. Italo Balbo, Ambassador Vittorio Cerrutti, and Royal Consul Onorevole Mammalella observed the troop parade. Among the officers stood Col. Magdalena, "the intrepid hero of several aerial feats". At the Catete Palace, Balbo and Cerrutti were received by the President of the Provisional Government, Getúlio Vargas, and his ministers. The Italian delegation then departed the Catete Palace.