331
331
The fascist party's henchmen who once acted as if they would give everything away, including their liver and gallbladder, but then cut themselves off like ghosts.
He was an incompetent king who accepted the title of Emperor of Ethiopia and King of Albania, which I had given him, but when the war situation became unfavorable, he passed on all responsibility and wiped his mouth.
And even the people who are merely swayed by the propaganda.
These bastards have always taken advantage of their own ways, and now they pretend to be clean and have nothing to do with it, and get paid for it.
Everything looked ugly.
If I could, I wanted to destroy everything. Everything, including this country that betrayed me and threw me in the trash.
So, when I heard that Hitler would restore power, I thought for a moment.
But soon Mussolini realized the reality.
Although his supporters still remain in Italy, their power is not large. It would be great if the opposition to him was larger.
It is too reckless to engage in politics with only a small number of supporters.
A majority of the people have already turned their backs on him, so how can he lead them?
There is nothing wrong with using guns and swords, but it was obvious that doing so would only lead to greater dissatisfaction and opposition.
Above all, even if he takes power as before, it is not entirely Mussolini's alone. Since he came to power with the help of Germany, he will have to follow Germany's instructions.
In other words, it would be fortunate if we did not listen to Germany's loyal dog.
Even with Germany's help, how long can it last when all of Italy, except for a small group of supporters, is turned into an enemy?
Even he would be in a position to follow Germany's instructions rather than his own complete rule.
That is why Mussolini rejected Hitler's offer.
"The Italians have already turned their backs on me. Even if we force them to submit, it won't last long because it's submission through coercion rather than sincere compliance like before.
Eventually, another civil war will break out. It's still in danger, and if the same thing happens again, Italy will truly be over. "Just like before, we will be divided into dozens of large and small city-states, and we will repeat the barbaric era where they cannot eat each other."
"You don't want to get revenge on those who abandoned you?"
"Why wouldn't you want revenge? However, if I do that, it will be like amputating my country with my own hands, so I can only decline. I am old, and the people no longer want me. "Living quietly like this, forgotten by everyone, will be the last service I can do for Italy."
When I confessed the story that I had been keeping in my heart, I felt relieved.
It was ironic that the person she confided her true feelings to was a man who had once been her biggest enemy.
After speaking, Mussolini rolled the pasta on a fork and brought it to his mouth. Hitler just quietly cut the steak.
"Amazing. "I never imagined those words would come out of your mouth."
"I'm sorry for not meeting your expectations. Still, those who are anxious about not being able to act as German puppets will find plenty if they search the fascist party."
"I guess so. Anyway, I understand. "Then let me ask you something. Among them, who do you think is better?"
"Are you asking who is more likely to follow Germany's instructions, or who is more likely to be a good person to Italy?"
"It's good if you have both. "Do you remember anyone?"
"As far as I can see, they are all there, so pick the one you like."
Hahaha... At Mussolini's answer, Hitler burst out laughing. Then he concentrated on eating. Occasionally having a short conversation.
"Do you like the food? "I especially prepared Italian food."
"The taste is great, but it's still not as good as the food made by Italians. Still, for a German chef, his skills are quite good."
"Is that so?"
After the main meal, dessert was served. The dessert was Fürerkuchen, which is said to have been designed by Hitler himself.
Mussolini had never eaten Fürerkuchen before. So, after taking a bite, he couldn't help but be amazed.
I hate to admit it, but it seemed to be true to some extent that Hitler also had a talent for cooking.
"To be honest, I was a little surprised when that sound came out of Duche's mouth. "I thought you would definitely accept my offer."
"A normal person would have done that. But not me. "Whether it's Miu or Gou, this is the country I was born in and built with my own hands. There's no need for it to be ruined any further."
"It's just a pity. If we had realized this obvious fact a little earlier, Italy would have definitely looked different from what it is now."
"That is a fair statement."
Hitler may have said this to mock Mussolini, but Mussolini also sympathized with Hitler's remarks.
It would have been great if I had realized this fact a little earlier.
Then, Italy would not have been involved in the war and would not have become a defeated country.
He would still be respected by the Italian people and could continue to reign over them.
Even if Italy had no choice but to accept the order led by Germany due to the difference in national power, it would have been able to at least be in a position where it could speak on an equal footing with Germany, like Hungary or Romania.
However, Mussolini chose to join hands with the English and go to war with Germany, which resulted in indelible ruin for Italy.
It is said that time that has already passed cannot be turned back, but the regret of ruining Italy with his own choices would follow him and torment him until his death.
"Let me ask you one question."
While drinking coffee with Fürerkuchen, Mussolini asked a question he had never asked before.
"What are you going to do with Italy now?"
"Don't worry. We won't rip off more territory from Italy or anything like that. "I have no intention of dividing Italy into North and South."
"then?"
"Italy's territory and sovereignty will be maintained. We raised troops to suppress the rebels at the request of the Italian government. Instead, the National Defense Forces will have to be stationed in Italy for a while to prevent social chaos and clean up the country.
And since Germany used its power to end the civil war, shouldn't it receive something in return? Moreover, Italy has not yet paid all the compensation to Germany..."
Mussolini's face fell when he heard Hitler's answer. I knew it would end up like this. Still, it was fortunate that there was no division of the country or additional territory being taken over by Germany.
"Italy, which accepts National Socialism, will grow again. It may not be in the same position as before, but it will still be a country that is not inferior to others in Europe. "If the Italian people sincerely pursue and follow the ideals of National Socialism."
"That's really fortunate."
***
The German army, which intervened in the civil war at the official request of the Italian government, began to defeat the National Liberation Committee and the partisans with overwhelming fighting power.
Although part of the Italian army was incorporated under the National Liberation Committee, the overall combat power of the National Liberation Committee was still weak. If the target of comparison was the German army, the gap widened even further.
"You're even bringing in a foreign army to kill my own people!"
"The King and the Fascist Party have betrayed Italy!"
"Comrades! You can't back down from here! We must fight against those wicked dictators and invaders until the end. Only then can we achieve freedom-"
The National Liberation Committee viciously criticized the King and the Fascist Party, who had brought in the German army to kill its own people, calling them unworthy scum, but the effect was minimal.
As the saying goes, the law is far and the fist is close, the German artillery shells were closer than the spontaneous uprising of the people who were angry at the government's actions.
The Italian people were not pleased that the German army, which had fought a war with their country eight years ago, had returned to their territory. However, Hitler said that Italy's territory and sovereignty would be respected and that there would be no demands for additional territorial cession. After the announcement, people stopped coming forward.
Germany's intervention is already the end of the game, so what do we do here?
The generals, who were torn between the incompetent government and the National Liberation Committee, became eager to suppress the rebels as if they had never done so when Germany's intervention began in earnest. In fact, they fought even harder.
If the National Liberation Committee wins, the monarchy is abolished, and a new government is established, all those who were eager to suppress under the government will be hung on the gallows. Therefore, many of the Italian generals made secret deals with the National Liberation Committee. I was checking my liver while doing this.
In case the worst happens, shouldn't we at least prepare insurance that will save our lives?
However, when Germany intervened, it became clear who would win this fight.
"Kill all communists!"
"You traitors who rebelled against His Majesty the King!!"
"Few is disinfection!"
In order to prove one's loyalty and move up to a higher position after the end of the civil war, one needed a major. A greater major than others.
The National Liberation Committee and the partisans also fought desperately because they had nowhere to retreat. However, the difference in firepower and numbers was too great.
Even if you try to tie down the government and German troops with guerrilla warfare, which is your specialty, it doesn't last long and is often broken through.
From the moment Germany declared intervention, the outcome of the fight was almost certain. The only difference was how much time was taken, and the National Liberation Committee had no chance of winning.
Rome, the capital of Italy, which was once called the center of the world but has now lost even the title of a superficial great power, has been stained with deep bright red blood.
The German and government forces did not attack Rome in preparation for the future. Instead, they distributed leaflets before entering.
- Citizens of Rome! Do not cooperate with the rebels and stay home. If you care about the safety of yourself and your family, you should never go outside.
-If you assist the rebels in escaping or hiding, it will be considered an act of treason against the country and you may be sentenced to the maximum punishment by law. Do not fall for the instigation of the rebels.
-Citizens who help capture and hunt down rebels will receive appropriate rewards.
Split. The best way to divide your enemies and make them bite each other.
And the National Liberation Committee also had a corner to escape to.
-If you put down your weapon and surrender calmly even now, I will treat you as leniently as possible.
-If you refuse to surrender and continue to fight, we will arrest your entire family, friends, and relatives. Choose wisely.
-If you help apprehend the leaders who started the rebellion, I will leave your participation in the rebellion undisclosed and reward you.
After Germany's intervention, Roman citizens, who had given up on the possibility of the revolution's success, locked their doors while street fighting raged around Rome.
Those who were quick-witted quickly jumped out and surrendered to government or German troops. Some held loudspeakers and encouraged their former comrades to surrender in order to be forgiven.
"Comrades, the revolution is over! "It's late, but please look at the reality now!"
"Italy must not be divided. Even now we must unite - oops!"
"Shut up you scum!"
"You bastards who are left behind! "Fasho's whores!"
The partisans who went to urge surrender with only a loudspeaker and a white flag without any protection met death at the hands of their comrades.
And immediately the bombardment began.
"Your Excellency Marshal. "Can I ask you one question?"
"Well, of course."
The Italian general, who was permitted to ask questions, lowered his voice so that no one would listen.
"If the partisans surrender, will you spare them all?"
"Of course. Because we can't execute them all."
Kesselring answered with a friendly smile. How many Italians participated in the National Liberation Committee, and if they were all executed, all the rivers in Italy would be stained with blood.
Of course the Italians will rise up once again, and the civil war will last for decades.
Following the Fuhrer's instructions, Kesselring planned to show mercy only to those who surrendered, even those who were partisans who had joined the National Liberation Committee.
"Still, there is a need to set an example for those with a certain level of status. "I don't know about those at the lower levels, but the case is different for those at the top."
"Hehehe... That's right?"
"Also, those who refuse to surrender are also subject to execution."
Those who refused to surrender and resisted and were taken prisoner were all scheduled to be executed when the civil war ended. But that was not possible right now, so they were spared for now. Now the battle is important, not the execution. The next problem was.
Due to the joint attacks of the government army and the German army, the area of the National Liberation Committee was rapidly shrinking day by day.
"The revolution has failed."
Many people did not attend the last National Liberation Committee meeting. They died in air raids by government and German forces, were arrested and executed, or fled with their families.
Communist Party leader Togliatti and his followers were also not there. We did not hear that he was killed in the air raid, so he was probably running away.
At a meeting where there were more empty seats than attendees, Bonomi declared the failure of the revolution with a sad face.
The revolution has failed and many comrades have been killed or are fleeing.
From now on, the flames of revolution will never burn in Italy again.
"······What are you going to do?"
Gaspery, looking haggard, asked with difficulty. Even without asking, he knew the answer.
"I will not run away. "There is nowhere to run, and there is no reason to."
"… .."
"Long live Italy. Long live freedom."
After leaving his last words, Bonomi took out a pistol from his pocket, put it to his temple, and pulled the trigger. Blood was dotted.
The attendees were very surprised by the sudden situation, but Gasperi was not embarrassed.
It was already planned. From the moment the Nazi army crossed the Italian border, the revolution was as good as a failure.
Gaspery took out a pill he had put in his pocket. Before his comrade sitting next to him could say anything when he saw it, Gaspery bit into the pill.
Gaspery died with the scent of almonds.
In an instant, two leading figures of the National Liberation Committee met their deaths. The meeting ended just like that, and the attendees left in a hurry. They had to run away now before it was too late. At least a little bit. If you want to live longer.
Even if I ran away now, there wasn't really a chance.
"What do we do now, comrade?"
"France, yes, let's go to France. Go to France, take a ship and go to America. Then go to the Soviet Union. "We will build our strength again with the help of our Soviet comrades."
Togliatti and the leadership of the Italian Communist Party wanted to go to France. France was also a place where German influence was strong, but there was no other place they could go.
but,
"What are you guys doing now!"
"Shut up! "You bastards!"
"It was a mistake to trust you guys. "If I hadn't believed your lies, I wouldn't have come to this point!"
"You pigs. When are you talking about revolution and are you trying to run away now? "You weak bastards."
Togliatti was arrested by the Germans before he could even board a ship for France due to the betrayal of his trusted comrades.
That's how the revolution ended.
Leaving behind countless graves of blood.