Nino was released after a few months. But apparently what Gino had said in praise of Mussolini that night in Wiluna, duly recorded by the local policeman, was enough to have him convicted at the trial in Fremantle as an alien posing the highest level of war risk. Although it was not conclusively proved that he had voluntarily hidden the two deserters, he found himself facing a long period of internment. At first, in spite of his sadness at losing Nino’s company and influenced by the enthusiasm of the other prisoners, most of them ardent fascists, he managed to delude himself that there would be a glorious liberation after a quick end to the war with Italy the victor.
Along with many others he was transferred from Rottnest first to the prison in Fremantle for the trial, then to Harvey, abo
