PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
In July 1943, a successful Allied landing in Sicily finally gave them a foothold in Occupied Europe. But behind the landing lay an extraordinary story, bringing together strange bedfellows-the American authorities and the Mafia.

In 1942, American Naval Intelligence officers had already made contact with the heads of New York's Mafia Crime Families in order to guarantee the security of the New York waterfront. This agreement was soon extended to cover other areas of the city.

When plans got underway for the landing of the US Seventh Army in Sicily, the alliance was to be further exploited. Mafia contacts in New York, North Africa and eventually Sicily itself were to provide priceless intelligence for the invasion.

With the success of the landings, the alliance was not terminated but was developed to further the political ambitions of both sides. The Mafia, who had suffered considerable setbacks under Mussolini, were allowed to recover their position of power on the island. In return US Intelligence used them to control the political development of the island and stem the advance of communism. The consequences of the pact were to shape the politics and development of post-War Sicily and strengthen established organized crime networks.

Denied for 50 yrs, many key protagonists, including members of the US Intelligence Services and post-War Sicilian politicians, as well as US and Italian-based Mafia leaders, speak about the affair for the first time.

Sean Barrett narrates this story of one of the war's most secret alliances.

PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Producer Richard Bradley
Series Editor Laurence Rees
Narrator Sean Barrett

DURATION
1x50'