The "Adriatisches Küstenland"

After 8 September 1943 and the creation of the fascist Republic of Salò, a large portion of Italy became part of the territory governed by the Third Reich. The provinces in question were Trieste, Gorizia, Udine (as well as Fiume, Pola, Lubiana and some occupied territories in Dalmazia). They were collectively known as the "Adriatisches Küstenland". The provinces of Belluno, Trento and Bolzano were similarly removed form Italian control, and became part of "Operationszone Alpenvorland", Operational Area of the Prealpi. The "Adriatico Coast" was entrusted to the authority of the Carinthinian Gauleiter (local governor), Friedrich Rainer, who assumed complete political and administrative authority on 1 October 1943.
City governors (prefetti) and mayors (podestà) now came under the control of "German Councillors". Both the formations of the Fascist Militia and the various police units were directly answerable to the German authorities. The police units were also engaged in thorough anti-partisan search operations. Of particular relevance was the Special Inspectorate for the Public Security of Venezia Guilia, commanded by Inspector General Giuseppe Gueli. From 1942 this Inspectorate, with its Head Office in the notorious "Villa Trieste" of Via Bellosguardo, operared with the specific purpose of repressing anti-partisan activities and controlling the organisation of factory workers.
The operational section of the Inspectorate became known as the "Banda Collotti" ("Collotti’s Gang"), named after its Commander Gaetano Collotti. After 8 September the "Banda Collotti" continued its anti-partisan activities under German command and is well known for its significant role in the persecution of the Jews.

(Translation by Corey Dimarco)