Mediterranean hegemon

The demonstrations reached a climax on the third day. Organized by Contini, Roman citizens, including students, launched protests. The embassies of Greece, Britain and France were attacked with unbridled rotten eggs and tomatoes - in fact After the leaflets were airdropped, the ambassadors of these countries realized that the situation was not good. The domestic sentiment in Italy was even more intense than they imagined. Mussolini obviously did not choose to send troops to Corfu because of his temporary excitement. He had a public opinion basis behind him. , and the Socialist Party, which advocated "prudentness", was even worse. It was directly called out and criticized, which was short of being said to have surrendered to the enemy and betrayed the country.

In addition to the obvious protests and demonstrations, Goebbels, who took office as a new official, also quickly intervened in the media and public opinion observation. The voices of the Socialist Party and the so-called centrists have been completely drowned in the frenzy. In particular, a newspaper published that the Corfu garrison received a leaflet After the news of the on-site oath, the atmosphere became even more intense.

Of all the people, the only criticism that Contini had to listen to came from United consultant Douhet. He did not approve of the use of planes to drop leaflets, and believed that Contini used United Airlines as a political tool, which was quite dangerous and showed that the student was slipping into a politician step by step, which was contrary to his original intention.

"Teacher, you are overthinking." Contini could not ignore Douhet's opinion and explained, "This is actually a practical exercise."

"exercise?"

"After a night of preparation, United Airlines set out in full force the next day and spread all over the place, even going to Corfu. This shows that the fleet organization, response, and training are effective. Today they can drop leaflets and tomorrow they can hang bombs. Don't you think this is the case? Isn’t it an interesting targeted exercise? Don’t you think United Airlines will be more effective and responsive under my management than the current Air Force?”

This statement is really not a boast. Because Mussolini attached great importance to the Air Force and personally served as Minister of the Air Force, a large number of speculators who took advantage of the situation got into the Air Force, trying to find a shortcut to promotion and wealth. Although the overall order of the Air Force was It was okay under Balbo's management, but he couldn't control the Air Force like a master.

In United Airlines, because Contini has repeatedly emphasized iron-fist management, there is no room for profiteers. Promotions and salary increases are all based on hard work. Even if you have a background, it is almost as if you have no background in the face of Contini's background. Everyone can do well. It's all very pleasant, and the efficiency is naturally good.

Douhet was silent. He knew that the student was quibbling, but he had to admit that the quibble was still very convincing - putting aside political factors, United Airlines did respond well!

"What are you going to do next? Do you really want to push for a war against Greece?"

"This is impossible. I have never thought about war, and the leader probably doesn't want to either. This is war brinkmanship, using war to scare the Greeks, and of course, more importantly, to scare Britain and France!"

"Scaring Britain and France? Stop joking." Douhet sneered, "Don't talk about scaring Britain and France. If you can deal with either of them, it's great."

"I can handle it."

"Stop bragging."

"I'm not bragging." Contini smiled, "Teacher, you are the authority when it comes to aviation theory, but when it comes to conspiracy and methods, you are far behind the leader..."

He originally wanted to say that he was far worse than himself, but then he thought that it was too arrogant to say so, and immediately pointed the finger at Mussolini. As expected, Douhet didn't take it seriously and just snorted: "This scene It's such a big fuss, how do I think he'll end it?"

Contini smiled: "Teacher, the matter will be solved, and I don't think it will last long. As long as the leader gets what he wants to get, he will withdraw his troops immediately."

After the victory in the first battle, Mussolini became so confident in Contini's ability to disrupt the situation that he actually invited him to discuss the next step. Of course, he actually already had the general direction, and he called Contini just to verify the correctness.

"I believe the leader should have a sufficient and mature plan, right?"

Mussolini smiled: "I do have some ideas, but I have just received protests from the British and French governments, and many people have different ideas."

"Leader, this is the country you lead. You can't always worry about what they think. If one political party has one idea or even one politician has one idea, is there any hope for Italy?"

This flattery made Mussolini feel a little dazed. He barely controlled his emotions and said: "Well... I actually don't necessarily want to go to war with Greece... I actually... this... I still need to listen to everyone's opinions more. Especially listen to the opinions of young people.”

Such a few simple words have basically exposed his trump card. Contini smiled and did not hide his clumsiness. He analyzed: "Britain and France will definitely stand up for the Greeks, but the most they can do is diplomatic protests and rhetoric. They can't even think about fighting for Greece... Millions of their people have just died, and their war-weariness is so strong that it's impossible to fight again, so we have to be more active.

We must assume a posture of not willing to fight at all, and our primary target is Greece. In terms of strength, we are much stronger than Greece. If Britain and France do not want them to lose too much face, they must pressure Greece to accept our conditions. "

"What conditions? Give us Corfu?"

"I'm afraid this is unlikely." Contini pondered. "I think it's enough to meet three conditions: first, punish the murderer; second, official apology; third, compensation for losses. The most important of which is the third "Others are fictitious, but this one is real. The asking price must be ruthless, such as $50 million in one go."

Mussolini was also shocked by this figure: now in the market, 6 million US dollars can buy a very good second-hand second-class battleship, and 50 million is equivalent to 8 second-hand battleships, which is even larger than the scale of the Italian Navy's main battleships. Although the purchase cost is only a small part of the navy's expenses, the subsequent use, maintenance, upkeep, and personnel are the bulk, but it is still a huge figure of 50 million.

"Asking for a high price, paying on the spot..." Contini smiled, "We have dispatched the navy, more than 10,000 soldiers, and lost a lieutenant general. If we only ask for a small amount of compensation with such a big posture, Britain and France will definitely think that we are not confident enough! Asking for a price is also part of the strategy."

Mussolini nodded: "Your idea makes sense."

"Britain and France are actually cowards, that is, they are just shouting loudly, don't pay too much attention to them. As for Greece... Leader, I suddenly have a good idea."

"What idea?"

"I think you can make a price tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, and after Britain and France exert pressure, announce a diplomatic decision to invite Turkish leader Kemal to visit Italy. We can even reach some agreements for Italy to build warships for Turkey!"

"Turkey?" Mussolini was stunned, and then he suddenly realized and laughed wildly, "Yes, yes, yes! This is good, this is good! Calais, you have a lot of ideas."

The Ottoman Turkey became a defeated country in World War I. With the support of Britain and France, Greece launched a large-scale attack on Turkey and soon occupied a large area of ​​Turkish territory. Kemal and others then launched a revolution, fought fiercely with Greece, and drove all the Greek troops out of the country in the Battle of Izmir in August-September 1922, achieving complete victory in the War of Independence. In July 1923, Turkey signed the Treaty of Lausanne with the Allied Powers and achieved relatively equal peace conditions. On October 29, the Republic of Turkey was established, and Kemal was elected as the first president of the Republic and concurrently served as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

Although the war between Turkey and Greece ended, the hostility between the two countries was not eased by the Treaty of Lausanne. If Italy lends a helping hand to Turkey at this time, it can create a strategic pattern of attacking Greece from both sides.

Although Turkey and Italy fought the Italo-Turkish War for Libya more than 10 years ago, now Italy has changed its government and Turkey has an independence movement. They are all new revolutionary governments and have no historical baggage. Who says they can't keep each other warm?

ps: Today is my birthday, so I will update it once. Thank you for your support.