Count Ciano, foreign minister and son-in-law to the Duce could almost taste the tension in the air during the meeting. The Duce had called the complete military staff together, along with himself and dottore Jung. Officially to discuss the current situation in East-Africa, yet everyone present knew of the growing tension between Balbo and the Duce. It was a no secret that marshall Balbo heavily disagreed with the Duce’s pro-German course. Most thought that the Duce would use this meeting to find out who would support him and who supported Balbo. Then the Duce entered the room.
“Gentlemen, I will not mince words here. The current situation in the world offers us both risks and opportunities. I prefer to take advantage of opportunities in stead of fearing some danger like a Frenchman”. “Ciano, give us an update on the current situation in Europe”.
Ciano: “Well, it seems that the new German government is rapidly rearming itself, defying the Versailles-treaty. Neither Britain nor France seemes eager to take action to enforce the treaty though. Both the British and the French are still feeling the effects of the economic depression and have neglected their armed forces. The Entente Cordiale remains intact though, making it unwise to confront either of them unprepared”.
“As for the smaller nations: the low countries and the Scandinavian countries dislike our regime because a ‘lack’ of democracy, while Hungary, Austria, Portugal, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia respect a firm regime when they see one. We have some disagreements with the Yugoslavs on where our borders should lie. The Greeks still make a fuss of our rightfull ownership of Rhodes and the Dannardelles”.
“A potential problem is the growing power of communists, anarchists and other rabble in Spain. We suspect the Soviet Union of destabilising the Iberian peninsula.
“Hmm, Greece”, Mussolini mumbled. “What is the state of our industry dottore Jung?”
Guido Jung, the respected administrative genius, sighted and started: “not as good as our propaganda makes it out to be I’m afraid”. “We are the 7th biggest industria power, just behind France. Our fascist policies make sure we can outproduce Britain and France in times of peace though. Another problem we face is lack of vital commodities, especially coals and other fuels.”
When it comes to technology, we are completely outmatched by most European nations, Macchi, FIAT and Breda have great problems to match the industrial prowess of the British or German industry. Were behind in the latest industrial development too”.
Most of the council held their breath while dottore Jung gave his report. No one gave the Duce such a report and expected to keep their job (or head for that matter). Yet the Duce seemed to take it well.
“Dottore, I respect your honesty. Honesty is another rare commodity besides coals and fuel it seems”. The Duce was looking straight at General Grazioli, the head of the armed forces. “Any recommendations, Dottore”.
“I recommend we focus on a few set terrains of industry, both civil and military”, was the dottore’s short reply. “We can outperform any of our neighbours besides France though”.
Mussolini: “Next I want to discuss the report I received from general Grazioli last week”.
“According to his report our army is one of the largest in the world, boasting 41 regular divisions, 5 specialised mountain divisions and 3 proud cavalry divisions. 19 of our divisions are currently in East-Africa, while the rest is stationed in the Mediterranean.
The Regia Marina is one of the biggest fleets in the world with 18 capital ships, 12 light cruisers, 18 destroyes flotilla’s and 11 submarine flotilla’s. Further expansion is on it’s way. Our airforce exists of 5 interceptor squadrons, 3 tactical bomber squadrons and 3 naval bomber squadrons. Our spies indicate that in Europe only the Soviets posess a larger army. Likewise only the British posses a larger navy, our airforce is equal to those of the other superpowers.”
“According to this report, our armies seem to be all but unbeatable” “So tell me, why can’t this superiour army beat some rag-tag ethiopian rabble?” The Duce’s fury was clearly visible. “General Grazioli, I believe general Graziani needs someone to inspect his frontline troops. A plane is waiting to fly you to Somaliland immediatly. You can leave us now”.
General Pariani, head of the army exchanged some nervous looks with Ciano and admiral Cavagnari. It seemed the Duce was out for blood. Only airmarshall Valle remained cool. Being Balbo’s close associate the Duce surely wouldn’t dare touch him.
“Gentlemen, you see what deceiving your Duce leads to. Unless either of you want a careerchange I recommend telling me the thruth”. The Duce’s uncharacteristic icy demeanour didn’t bode well.
General Pariani nervously started his report. “Indeed our armed forces are substantial in size, yet most of these divisions are biregimental divisions in stead of triregimental. Ten divisions in East-Africaaren’t regulars, but either Lybian irregulars or blackshirt volunteers. And while I don’t question their bravery or zeal, their organisation and armament are below par. Also, our modernisation-programme is far from complete, so most divisions are fighting with the same weapons their fathers fought with at the Isonzo. Our heavy equipment is both lacking in quality and quantity, we don’t posses any armour and our supply-system is horribly lacking”.
“What about the navy, admiral?”
“Our navy is in better shape than the army, of course.” Yet while our navy is the 4th largest in the world, it is also quitte outdated in some areas. The pride and joy of our navy, our four Cavour-class battleships are powerfull, but very old. They need upgrading in order to stand up to the French mediterranean navy, let alone the Royal Navy. Our remaining capital ships are mostly outdated heavy cruisers, only our three Zara-class cruisers are up to par. Our light cruisers are adequate, but nothing special. Of our submarinefleet, only three flotilla’s are equipped with modern submarines. The biggest problem we have is the state of our destroyers though, with most being build in the ‘20s.”
Next it was Valle’s turn.
“Our airforce is not as big as we want it to be. Mostly because army and navy keep hogging resources for themselves. Our interceptor-force is up to date, just as the naval branch of our airforce. Our tactical bombers are outdated though”.
“Gentlemen, this are my orders to you”
“Dottore Jung, I want our industries concentrating on increasing their effectiveness for now. For now Ciano will negociate some trade agreements for coals and such, but I promise a more substancial solution in the near future”.
“General Pariani, I want you to concentrate on increasing the size of our divisions and to complete any modernisations. Also, I want you to develop a more efficient supply system. Also, reorganise our divisions in Italy in corpses near the northern borders.”
“Admiral Cavagnari, I agree that most submarines and destroyers are not worthy of our proud Regia Marina. Have them broken down. I promise ample replacements. Also, have our best cruisers form the escort for our battleships. Unfortunately, I cannot promise you any more battleships in the near furure, but I will authorize the modernisation of the Cavours”.
“Airmarshall Valle, in my opinion the airforce is best suited to assist our army. I decree that you develop some kind of divebomber, upgrade those tactical bombers too”.
“That’s it for the moment. You all may go”
Ciano was about to leave the room, but the Duce stopped him.
“Ciano, there is still something I wish to discuss with you…”
- What does the Duce have to discuss with Ciano?
- Who will reach Addis Abeba first?
- How will general Grazioli rate Graziani’s rough Lybian auxiliaries?
- Will FlyingDutchie find out how to post screenshots?
Find out in the next update.