Some of our intel did come from the Italian Sismi- but it was't the intel later provided through Giacomo through the French.
No, we didn't rely on the fakes. But the MSM and the Democrats sure as hell did for their propaganda campaign. It was a scorched earth campaign and extremely effective. Just about everyone in the country believed it.
We've seen a lot of orchestrated propaganda campaigns the last couple of years among the media and the Democrats. Interesting that the French seem to be involved as well. You can bet they worked with the DNC in setting this up and breaking the story.