The Third Reich in Desperation

Third Reich Episode 397

Ability is always ranked lower than loyalty. Isn't this not only in Italy, but also in Germany?

In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is in touch with the international community, Ciano also knows a thing or two about the internal personnel arrangements in Germany.

He could see that although the German head of state Reinhardt also promoted Guderian, Manstein and other capable generals.

But in the most core position, such as the commander-in-chief of the SS, Steve, although he has abilities, he does have a gap compared with most senior generals in Germany.

Besides, the German Minister Ross who had a lot of contact with Ciano is known as Reinhardt's number one confidant.But in Ciano's eyes, it's not hard to find out after contact that he is just a fanatic who crazily worships Reinhardt, and his ability is really limited.

It can be seen from this that only fools are talented, and they don't make great efforts to promote their confidants at all.

Ciano, who has been full of ambition since he was a child, believes that being a leader requires more or less ability.To be a good leader, what he needs is not to promote a group of people to be his brains and think for himself.What he wants are some useful hands and feet, as long as he can faithfully execute his instructions.

But for now, whether it is Ciano or the deputy prime minister Rossi, they are still staring at the title of Mussolini's cronies. After all, they still have a little bit of confidence.

In the Royal Italian Air Force, Ciano has already spent a lot of money and recruited a group of generals.

But that's not enough!

Now that time has passed, he can't continue to buy people's hearts slowly. The best option is to first obtain the support of the Italian king, and use this relationship to further win over the Royal Italian Air Force's connection with him.

Finally, if you can mobilize a bomber squad from the Air Force, you can see the timing and deal with Mussolini.

When the king appoints a new prime minister, it's time for Ciano to step up to the sky!

Text Chapter 6 Ciano's Audience

On the first day of April 1941, in his own palace, the current king of Italy, Vittorio Emmanuel III, met someone he had always wanted to see.

It's a pity that when this person really arrived, his identity really surprised Vittorio Emanuel III.

"Minister Ciano, my guard told me that you came to negotiate with me in secret?" Vittorio Emmanuel III asked with some doubts.

"Yes, my respected king." Ciano, who had already prepared his speech, addressed the king respectfully: "For the future of the Kingdom of Italy, and for your status, I have finally made up my mind and decided to stand up for the country. , What have you done for the royal family?"

do something?

Vittorio Emmanuel III was a little dazed.

He has always hoped that someone can help him control Mussolini, who is getting more and more arrogant and has completely ignored himself.

However, he did not expect that this person would be Mussolini's son-in-law, Ciano, Italy's foreign minister and member of the Supreme Council!

Vittorio Emmanuel III naturally would not believe that Ciano chose to exterminate his relatives righteously because of his loyalty to the royal family. He wanted to dispose of his father-in-law and return the royal family to peace.

How could a person who could betray his father-in-law and even his relatives be loyal to the king.

Furthermore, Ciano did not betray long ago, but waited until Mussolini's several war operations failed one after another, and Germany, a steel ally of the Mussolini government, was in trouble before he defected.

To put it bluntly, this is called knowing how to return from a lost path, but to put it bluntly, this is a grass on the wall, and you can use the wind to make the rudder!

What surprised Vittorio Emmanuel III the most was that Ciano, a foreign minister, had such ambition and courage? !

To meet the king in secret alone, leaving only two trusted aides outside, it is impossible for a person who does not have enough courage to do so.

In Italy, Vittorio Emmanuel III really did not expect that this person was Ciano, who was only the foreign minister and had limited power.

Although Vittorio Emmanuel III was evaded by Mussolini in every possible way, he still knew everything that happened outside.

It would not be surprising if it was Deputy Prime Minister Rossi, or the Chief of Staff Marshal Badoglio who came here today.

Compared with these people, Ciano's power is really not favored by Vittorio Emmanuel III.Moreover, even Ciano's only authority was mostly obtained only by relying on the title of Mussolini's son-in-law.

"What are you doing? Why did you come to me in secret?" Vittorio Emmanuel III did not show his inner worries and doubts, but asked Ciano with two questions first.

"Dear king." Ciano knew that this was the king giving him a chance to explain and prove.As long as he doesn't interrupt or expel himself, it means that the king still has some expectations for him.

"Italian Prime Minister Mussolini's ambition has become more and more crazy. Now, he even plans to launch a war against a scourge like the Soviet Union. If all this cannot be stopped, all of us will be buried with Mussolini's madness !"

Vittorio Emmanuel III nodded and listened silently.

Obviously, Ciano hasn't said enough to satisfy him.

Mussolini is quite Caesar's ambition, basically no one in Italy will not know.Of course, Vittorio Emmanuel III also knew that Italy would fail sooner or later if Mussolini was allowed to fight crazily all the way.

However, knowing does not mean that you will stop it.

Vittorio Emmanuel III was a wise man, he would not die for trying.Otherwise, he would not have survived until now safely at the side of Mussolini, a narrow-minded prime minister.

Ciano helped him get the position of King of Albania, stabilized his status and security, and he is indeed very grateful to Ciano for this.

However, this does not mean that Vittorio Emmanuel III will die with Ciano.He will not express his position until he sees Ciano come up with a plan to impress him.

"Your Majesty, your support is the most important." Seeing that Vittorio Emmanuel III did not speak, Ciano probably guessed some of the other's thoughts, so he continued: "With your support , When I transferred the air force, I had a name. That way, the operation will be more convenient."

Mobilize the Air Force? !

Vittorio Emmanuel III was suddenly curious. He was thinking, how could Ciano, the foreign minister, be able to mobilize the air force again?

"Continue." Vittorio Emmanuel III finally couldn't help but speak.

Although he only uttered one word, Ciano knew that the king had been slightly moved by him.

"Dear Your Majesty, I used to be the commander of the Air Force's bomber squadron in Pisa. Since then, I have maintained control over that bomber squadron. And recently I have secretly contacted a large number of Air Force generals. At that time, I only need to be in the Royal Air Force With the acquiescence of those generals, transfer this bomber squadron to bomb Mussolini's convoy, and the cancer in this Kingdom of Italy will be completely cured!"

When Ciano said this, he pretended to be calm and smiled and said: "What needs to be done before this is to arrange for Mussolini's convoy to leave the city to avoid accidental injury. Then get your approval from His Majesty the King. "

In his words, Ciano clearly portrayed himself as a reliable figure in control of everything.As King Vittorio Emmanuel III, it seems that nodding and supporting him is enough.

But in fact, Ciano's description is full of water.

First of all, his control over the bomber squadron is actually not strong, and he is not the commander of that squadron now.

Although he used a lot of money to bribe the new commander of the bomber squadron, and then managed many generals in the Air Force.But when it comes time to act, others may not have the guts to listen to your words and rebel.

Therefore, His Majesty's support is crucial.On the basis of bribery, there is also the righteousness of the king's summoning. Only in this way can we further guarantee that we can command and arrange bombing and assassination operations.

For Ciano, this is his only option.On the army and navy side, he has no hand at all. There are black shirts who support Mussolini and admirals who worship Rossi everywhere.

Only the Royal Air Force, he can use the name of the king, coupled with his own business, to call in a little secret.

What Ciano has to wait for now is whether the king is willing to believe in him and whether he will support him.

This will determine his fate!

Chapter 6 and Chapter [-] of the main body are preparing for the assassination

"I will support you!"