บท 329: 329
329
September 22, 1948
Naples, Italy
Vittorio glared at the top of Grandi's head with bloodshot eyes. Feeling the king's stinging gaze, Grandi did not even dare to raise his head.
"I apologize, Your Majesty."
"Sorry about that guy, sorry! "Can't you say something other than sorry?!"
"… … ."
"Not only is it not enough to suppress the weightlifters, but the number of soldiers who are joining the weightlifters is increasing! What on earth has the military done so far?! "Tell me something!"
Instead of making excuses, the subjects only bowed their heads even more at the king's words.
Vittorio was largely responsible for things happening like this, but no one was big enough to point it out here.
"If you don't plan on giving up this entire country to communists, come up with a way."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Everyone turn off. "I don't even want to see it."
As soon as the King's order to welcome guests was issued, the ministers quickly left without even looking back.
"Maybe it would be better now."
Grandi opened his mouth with difficulty, but no response was heard. We have come to this point because there is no suitable solution, but isn't it unlikely that we will come up with a solution that did not exist now?
When only meaningless silence and sighing continued, someone broke the silence and opened his mouth.
"also… … "The only option is to get help from Germany."
"!!!"
The person who spoke was Admiral Inigo Campioni, Commander-in-Chief of the Navy.
As everyone's attention focused on the aging 70-year-old admiral, he closed his eyes as if he had no confidence to meet their gaze. But his mouth was still open.
"Realistically, is there any other way than to ask Germany for support?"
"But Germany-"
"so."
"… … ."
"I asked if there was another way."
As Campioni said, Germany was the only country in Europe that could stop the National Liberation Committee, which was currently expanding its power at a frightening pace.
There are also France, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia, but France was unable to freely move its troops without Germany's permission due to an attempted coup, and Spain was concerned about Morocco, so it notified that it could only send two infantry divisions to help Italy.
Portugal and Croatia also said they would send their troops if Italy requested it, but it seemed difficult to achieve meaningful results due to their small number of troops.
In the end, all that remains is Germany.
If Germany intervenes, just as Greece succeeded in eliminating rebels, it will be possible to turn the situation around and end the civil war.
However, the problem came after the civil war ended.
Even before the civil war, it was a lot of trouble to keep an eye on Germany, but if Germany's power is borrowed, Italy will end up in the same situation as Slovakia.
No, Slovakia might actually be better. Although it started as a German puppet state, Slovakia participated in almost every battlefield from the invasion of Poland to the German War and served as Germany's rear base throughout the war. As an original member, I belonged to a country where I was treated well.
However, unlike Slovakia, Italy went to war with Germany and still owes a huge amount of compensation to Germany.
If Germany intervenes in the civil war, the amount of money owed to Germany will increase, not decrease.
Nevertheless, there was no other way than to ask Germany for help. To that extent, Italy was in a dead-end crisis.
"You will have to make a decision as quickly as possible. This fight is already difficult to win on our own. At best, maintaining the status quo is the best. "Even if you don't like Germany, there is no one here who wants the country to return to the way it was before 1870."
"That is correct."
Scorza also agreed with Campioni.
"Even if we do not ask for reinforcements from Germany, German intervention is expected. If the communists completely take over all of Italy or the North, Germany will definitely declare intervention. Communism is on their doorstep. There is no way they would neglect the establishment of a country.
It would be a much better choice for Italy's future to request support now and put out the fire before it spreads into a bigger fire."
"In the end, I guess it can't be helped."
Grandi sighed. As Scorza said, the moment a communist state is established in Italy, Germany will immediately mobilize the army and push down. Regardless of whether they request support or not.
In this case, the entire northern Italy could have been taken over by Germany, or a puppet state controlled by Berlin could have been established.
In the worst case, Germany could have divided Italy into several small countries and made them independent, preventing them from ever gaining power again.
Just as European Russia was divided into Free Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltic States and became independent.
Even if it became a puppet of Germany, Italy had to remain one.
"Count Ciano. "I think you'll have to use your strength again this time."
"Is it me again…?" … ."
Ciano's vision seemed to blur at the thought of going to Germany and meeting Hitler.
However, he had already made up his mind. As long as he held the position of foreign minister, the country's diplomacy was his responsibility.
"I'm getting ready to go to Berlin."
"Thank you."
***
September 28, 1948
New Fuhrer's Residence in Berlin, Germany
"… … So, you need our help?"
"Yes, Mr. President."
When I saw Ciano nodding his head with a humble expression, I burst out laughing.
Ciano arrived in Germany four days ago, but since I was meeting Horthy in Budapest at the time, he was only able to meet me today.
"It looks like Italy has gone as far as it can go."
Ribbentrop, who was present, hurled mocking words with a sneer on his face.
Ciano used to ridicule Ribbentrop, calling him a 'foolish diplomat' and a 'wine salesman' for his ignorance of professional diplomatic affairs, but now the situation has become the opposite.
Ribbentrop, who was still inexperienced in tasks that required expertise but was familiar with rumors about himself, taunted Ciano, who was talking behind his back, as if he had planned it.
"When were you talking about building a new Roman Empire, and now are you begging for help from the Germanic descendants who destroyed Rome?"
"… … ."
Ciano was seen gritting his teeth. It must have been a miserable feeling to be ridiculed in front of someone who was usually looked down upon as a simpleton.
"Hey man, leave it at that."
"yep."
After restraining Ribbentrop, I turned to Ciano.
"Good. Let me help you. "Even if Italy turns red, it won't be good for us."
"Thank you. You made a very wise decision."
"You don't have to thank me. "I plan to receive a solid price in return for my help."
"… … "Isn't that also Italy's responsibility?"
"You must have been through a lot of emotional distress, so please rest well since you came to Germany. "Miu or Gou, aren't Germany and Italy neighbors?"
Thank you, Mr. President, for your consideration. Ciano expressed his gratitude and left with unsteady steps.
Even before Ciano came to Berlin, the Wehrmacht had perfect plans in case it intervened in Italy.
He even told Keitel and Manstein that he would move immediately if it seemed like a communist state would be established even if Italy did not request support.
Since Italy officially requested reinforcements, there was every reason to intervene.
"Marshal Manstein, how long will it take to complete the deployment?"
"If only His Excellency the President gives an order, we can move right now."
"It's not an urgent situation, so there's no need to rush. If you eat quickly just because you're hungry, it's not okay to act like you are. Let's take it slow."
Schacht was busy calculating what and how much he could take away from Italy, and Himmler argued that since Northern Italy was also a territory of the Holy Roman Empire, he should take this opportunity to separate it from Italy and merge it with Germany.
Should the dentures, or even the research funds, be confiscated for 3 weeks?
"Marshal Kesselring. "Your enemy will have to suffer for you."
"The soldiers below do all the fighting, so why bother me?"
Richthofen was originally scheduled to be the commander-in-chief of Operation Gustav, but he was currently recuperating from a brain tumor, so the position in charge went to Kesselring.
Germany's best doctors rushed to treat Richthofen, but his chances of a full recovery were not high.
Richthofen must have sensed that his own death was approaching, and the last time he visited the hospital, he had an aloof expression on his face.
In history, he died two months after the end of World War II, so it was brave enough to be alive now.
Leder was scheduled to retire at the end of this year.
He says he has done enough and would like to retire and rest comfortably. When Leder steps down, his position as Commander-in-Chief of the Navy will go to Dönitz.
"really. Where is Mussolini? Is he in Naples too?"
"No. Mussolini is somewhere else."
Schellenberg shook his head and pointed to Lake Garda in northern Italy.
"He is currently in Salo."
Perhaps by some irony of fate, he was currently in Salo.
Salo is somewhere. In actual history, wasn't it the actual capital of the Italian Social Republic, a puppet state established in Italy by Nazi Germany?
That's why the Italian Social Republic was often called the Salo Republic.
Here Mussolini was imprisoned with his supporters.
"It is said that they first came all the way to Brescia to go to Switzerland, but fled to Salo due to the onslaught of rebels. They are still holding on thanks to the escort of supporters and some of the Black Shirts, but they are in a precarious situation. "
Because he was cut off from the National Fascist Party, Mussolini was unable to go to Naples and had no choice but to find his own way.
Even though he lost the war, he still had supporters loyal to him thanks to his popularity in the past, and some of the Black Shirts followed him as his escort, but now he was in a situation where he was left isolated by the rebels and held on day by day.
Without outside help, Mussolini would soon become a prisoner of the National Liberation Committee.
What are the chances that the National Liberation Committee, which advocated anti-fascism and anti-kingdom, will keep Mussolini, the old fascist leader, alive?
Wouldn't being ranked 300th in school be lower than the probability of getting into Seoul National University full-time?
"That's right… … ."
Salo is so close that it can be reached in just a few hours' drive from the German border. Mussolini is isolated in Salo, the king has lost public support, and the fascist party is in disarray.
Uhmmm.
"I take back what I just said. Marshal Manstein, I think we will have to expedite the operation."
***
October 1, 1948
Salo, Italy
Salo, located on Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, is a small but historic city with a long history.
This small, beautiful city, which originated from Salodium, a colonial city built during the Roman Empire, became the last stronghold of the former dictator and his supporters who lost power.
When the civil war broke out, Mussolini tried to go to Naples. However, the King and the National Fascist Party had long since abandoned him and fled to Naples. Mussolini changed his mind and decided to go to Switzerland, escorted by supporters. He received it and headed north.
However, just as they arrived in Brescia, citizens who joined the rebellion, declaring their support for the National Liberation Committee, poured into the city.
When the road to Switzerland was blocked, Mussolini had no choice but to hastily turn to Salo.
After learning that the old dictator was in Salo, the National Liberation Committee sent troops to Salo to capture Mussolini.
Mussolini's supporters, the Black Shirts that followed him, and some Italian troops mobilized the residents of Salo and formed a defense line around the city. Since it was a very small city, the fact that it was easy to defend was a blessing in disguise.
But Mussolini's situation was still not good. Saló was surrounded, and supplies in the city were slowly running out.
In addition, the National Liberation Committee has also attempted to attack through Lake Garda.
All attempts by the rebels to attack through the lake were repulsed, but Mussolini was in a state of anxiety. Food and ammunition were slowly running out, and there were no attempts at rescue from the outside.
The King of Naples and the National Fascist Party had no intention of saving Mussolini.
Right now, they are barely holding back the rebels, so how can they save Mussolini, who is isolated far away? Mussolini was also not unaware of this.
Their existence is only a burden to them and cannot bring them any benefit. Perhaps they are secretly hoping that they, a burden, will die on this occasion.
"Duce, I brought you a meal."
The young Black Shirts were still called Duce in deference, even though he had long since lost power. Mussolini did not say anything to his supporter, but just nodded quietly.
"Because the food situation is not good… … I'm sorry."
The only thing on the plate was gnocchi mixed in tomato sauce and a few boiled kidney beans. As the black shirt member lowered his head as if he was being ignored, Clara Petacci waved her hand.
"There's nothing to be sorry about. Because Duce doesn't care about that."
As Mussolini's mistress, even after Mussolini lost power and was reduced to a barbarian, she did not leave his side and devoted herself to her lover, who was about the same age as her father.
Clara's dedication played a big role in the fact that Mussolini was barely able to keep his sanity.
"I'm okay. "I'm probably hungry, so you eat."
"Duche, I know you don't have an appetite, but eat some. That's how you come to your senses."
Although his stomach was growling, Mussolini steadfastly refused to eat the food.
Because of the fear of death, he had no appetite. The occasional gunshots also fueled his anxiety.
"They came this far with only you in mind. How would their morale be if you were like this? "Try it first."
"… … "I understand."
Due to Clara's persuasion, Mussolini had no choice but to pick up the fork and put the gnocchi in his mouth.
The gnocchi, which had been boiled in plain water without salt, was bland, and the tomato sauce was salty and sour, but Mussolini ate it in silence. Since he had no appetite to begin with, he could not even taste it.
"… … "I'm sure they want to shoot me."
"Duche. "Please don't say things like that."
Mussolini shook his head.
"After what I've done, there's no way they'll let me live. No, it would be better if you shot him right away. "They might drag me around like a dog and throw all sorts of insults at me."
At one time, the dictator, who was full of ambition to build a new Roman Empire, was trembling with fear of the death that had come to him. Mussolini thoroughly suppressed his opponents, which caused many to gnash their teeth at him. There was.
Mussolini also knew that he had many enemies. Therefore, he did not know about his fate if the guerrillas captured him.
"Duce! Duce!"
As he was eating in silence, overcome by despair, the black shirt member who had brought him the meal earlier came running and knocked on the door. Mussolini was so shocked that he dropped his fork on the floor.
"W-what's going on?"
Could it be that the defense line has collapsed? Mussolini felt like his hair was turning white. If the defense line was collapsed, the guerrillas would soon arrive here.
As Mussolini was wondering whether he should hide in the basement to prepare for the worst, his young supporter said something unexpected.
"It's the Germans, Duce!"
"… … ???"
As Mussolini looked at him in surprise, the black shirt member spoke again in a loud voice.
"Duche. The Germans are coming."
"The Germans? No, why the Germans? "Is it more certain than that?"
"yes! It's definitely, definitely German!"
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