1E

Why did you initially think there was correspondence between Churchill and Mussolini? Why was it so sought after and why were people worried about it coming to light at the end of the war?

I think it was because Churchill offered to spare Mussolini from any sort of real reprisals if he stayed out of the war.

Churchill offered Mussolini to give him Malta after the war ended but this would have been an embarrassment to Great Britain.

Don't you love how leaders just trade other countries? I believe like >2 Olivermagnus: that Churchill knew that the winds were blowing in his direction and he didn't need to also deal with the likes of Mussolini...another "Hillter" but speaking a different language.

When we first heard about 5 letters, I assumed these were written during the war years. I was caught on the back foot, therefore, when Cotton discovered 11 letters from Churchill dated pre-war. I can only surmise, (not having read the whole section yet), that Churchill, knowing war was coming, tried sweethearting Mussolini onto his side, or at least remaining neutral.

Churchill's quid pro quo offer to Mussolini of the island of Malta at the war's end in exchange for not aligning with the Nazi Fascists was a flawed deal, as it would have put the people of Malta under a dictator, in war some innocents always pay the cost.
If this became public knowledge it would embarrass England and tarnish Churchill.

Initially (before we knew what was in the letters) I wondered if it would be some sort of deal or peace initiative between Churchill and Mussolini, or some attempt by Mussolini to escape retribution as the war came to an end. Clearly information in the letters that would be an embarrassment if it came to light.

I think there would have been some sort of deal, either a negotiated peace or amnesty for Mussolini, mentioned in the letters.

And if they came to light, they would have been an embarrassment, so they became the ultimate in a post-War bargaining chip.