According to the same legal adviser, the banks were ready, during negotiations in September-October 1968,after ELSI had been declared bankrupt,
to accept settlement on the basis of 40 percent or 50 percent payment (see
paragraph 37 below).
30. On 1 April 1968 the Mayor of Palermo issued an order, effective
immediately, requisitioning ELSI's plant and related assets for a period
of six months. The text of this order, in the translation supplied by the
United States, was as follows :
"The Mayor of the Municipality of Palermo,
Taking into consideration that Raytheon-Elsi of Palermo has
decided to close its plant located in this city at Via Villagrazia, 79,
because of market difficulties and lack of orders;
That the Company has furthermore decided to send dismissal
letters to the personnel consisting of about 1,000 persons;
Taking notice that ELSI's actions, beside provoking the reaction of
the workers and of the unions giving rise to strikes (both general and
sectional) has caused a wide and general movement of solidarity of
al1 public opinion which has strongly stigmatized the action taken
considering that about 1,000 families are suddenly destituted;
That, considering the fact that ELSI is the second firm in order of
importance in the District, because of the shutdown of the plant
a serious damage will be caused to the District, which has been so
severely tried by the earthquakes had during the month of January
1968;
Consideringalso that the local press is taking a great interest in the
situation and that the press is being very critical toward the authorities and is accusing them of indifference to this serious civic problem ;
B a t , furthermore, the present situation is particularly touchy and
unforeseeable disturbances of public order could take place;
Taking into consideration that in this particular instance there is
sufficient ground for holding that there is a grave public necessity
and urgency to protect the general economic public interest (already
seriously compromised) and public order, and that these reasons justify requisitioning the plant and al1 equipment owned by RaytheonElsi located here at Via Villagrazia 79;
Having notedArticle 7 of the law of 20 March 1865 No. 2248 enclosure e;
Having notedArticle 69 of the Basic Regional Law EE.LL.,