Mediterranean hegemon

ps: Supplementary update 3, there are two more updates today, but the time will be a little later...

Frankly speaking, Mussolini and a large group of senior officials around him who knew the inside story of Algerian oil were very worried about Contini. They were trying to fight against the French in the French colonies. This was simply seeking death, so Mussolini On the surface, Rini let Contini go and acted boldly, but behind the scenes he had made an agreement with the old Ciano to let him go to France to subjugate him as a last resort. This was not Italy submissive to France, but the Ciano family submissive to the French. This slap in the face wasn't too severe.

Unexpectedly, as soon as the mine array was set up and things in Morocco were stirred up, the French actually retreated and agreed to a peaceful solution. Of course, the benefits were still there, which made everyone start to look at Contini with admiration. How did they know that it was not Morocco that prompted Briand to make up his mind, but the detailed information sent back by Pétain. The huge reinforcements, military expenditure requirements and possible casualties frightened Briand. He was not a Mexican. Solini, this might lead to the collapse of the cabinet. He should not cause the cabinet to collapse for a little economic benefit. That would make too little profit and make too many bets, which is not what a rational politician should do.

So now that Contini proposes a new naval shipbuilding plan, everyone should not treat it as a second-generation young man who is just randomly participating in it, but should seriously regard it as a suggestion that they will unknowingly regard Contini as a leader after this incident. An important government official who can be treated as an equal, not just the son of the old Ciano family or the chairman of the consortium as previously thought.

History has undergone significant changes due to Contini's interference: Although the Leonardo da Vinci was not very old, less than 15 years old, it had an ammunition explosion accident in 1916 and was refloated and put into service after it sank in the port. The Italian Navy has been He wanted to carry out a thorough restoration, but was troubled by the lack of funds, so historically it was arranged to be dismantled in 1923. But this time it was different. Since Contini requested to retire four Queen-class ships and then provide funding, the Leonardo da Vinci was not dismantled like its original fate. Instead, it was repaired as much as possible, so it is still in good condition now. In service.

So in the end Mussolini made the decision to convene a research meeting specifically for this matter and invited Contini to participate. Now many things cannot go around the United Group.

Navy Minister Leifer first said: "Although the Leonardo da Vinci has been relatively comprehensively repaired, to be honest, there is still a slight performance and usability gap compared with the other two Cavour-class ships. I will personally arrange for its decommissioning." I think it’s technically feasible, but a solid and comprehensive plan is needed. I don’t know... what does the president think about this matter?”

He originally wanted to say Calais, but then he felt that this was a formal meeting occasion, so he quickly changed his mind and said that Your Excellency seemed a little unable to speak, so he called Contini "President" like many people.

"Just call me Calais." Contini smiled. "To be honest, I have a comprehensive idea about the development of the navy. As everyone knows, my father is an old navy. I have been influenced by the navy since I was a child, and I have a deep understanding of the navy. I am very emotional and anxious about the weakness of the Italian navy, so my thoughts may be a bit big..."

"Calais, tell me, we are all our own people here!"

"I suggest that the Navy complete the construction of four Caracciolo-class battleships within the established framework tonnage as much as possible before the expiration of the Washington Naval Treaty. We can make a pass on the fourth ship." Contini smiled, "First use the joint Established in the name of the group, and then joined the Italian Navy as soon as the treaty expired. I have studied the treaty and it cannot be considered a violation. "

"Is there such an operation?" Mussolini was stunned.

"Yes, this is correct." Leifer smiled. "The treaty stipulates that the signatory countries cannot build 35,000-ton displacement battleships for other signatory countries, but it does not mean that they cannot build for non-signatory countries, just like Calais just now What he said is that we can build the ship in the name of building it for the Turks, and let them pay a nominal deposit. When the time comes, they will say they don’t want the ship, and then they can join the navy in a legitimate manner. "

Mussolini suddenly realized it. Later he thought that Contini was a law student. The level of taking advantage of this loophole was really... In fact, everyone can take advantage of this loophole. The key is that no other country is willing to pay for naval shipbuilding. .

"In addition to the Caracciolo class, I think this 35,000-ton battleship may be on the verge of becoming obsolete in the next 10 years. I think it is necessary for the Navy to build four higher-level battleships, such as the 50,000-ton class, equipped with 16-inch A new type of fast battleship with naval guns.”

50,000 tons? 16-inch artillery? Not only Mussolini, but also Leifer was a little stunned. It took the latter a long time to come to his senses: "This... there is no 50,000-ton battleship in the world."

"But there will definitely be one in the future." Contini smiled. "The so-called top-level battleship in the world now is the Big 7. Japan's Nagato has reached the level of 40,000 tons and 16-inch guns. I think that in another 10 years, it will 50,000-ton battleships equipped with 16-inch guns will be the mainstream, and even 60,000-ton ships with 18-inch guns will appear, but we are not so eye-catching."

Leifer nodded: "Looking at it 10 years later, this indicator calculation does make sense. Technically, I believe Italy can do it. The key now is funding. Four giant ships like this will cost a lot..."

He did not brag. Italy designed the Veneto class in history, which was equipped with a 381mm drug cannon on a hull of more than 40,000 tons. However, Contini believed that the power was not enough and must be enlarged to 50,000 tons+. 406mm configuration. As for the dream 70,000-ton + 457mm configuration, he has to weigh the harvest of the United Group in the next few years. It will be very difficult to rely solely on finances.

But one thing he is sure of is that as long as they don't attack Ethiopia, everything will be easy. Italy has spent a total of 45 billion lire (equivalent to more than 2 billion US dollars) in Ethiopia in history, and the benefits in return are very limited, except for territory. Apart from being good-looking, there is almost no reward. It is a complete failure. He will not allow this to happen. As for the part about selling blood and kidneys to support Franco, he also feels that he should carefully consider it.

"Including design, naval gun research and development, preliminary model construction, personnel training and other expenses, I estimate the price of one ship at 25 million US dollars, and 4 ships is 100 million US dollars." Contini smiled, "United Group is not talking big words. Let me say more, we will pay half of the 100 million, and the country will pay for the other half. Of course, the country will also have to help the United Group withstand various pressures. Like this time, when I asked for warships, the navy did not hesitate. He gave us the Dante, for which I have always been grateful; during the diplomatic negotiations, the leader also withstood Briand’s pressure, which laid a good foundation for the following negotiations... In the final analysis, the United Group As a national policy group, Italy is strong and co-prosperous with the party and the country, so it is good to unite the group. If the united group wants to become better, it must contribute to the country's strength. "

This is not a high-profile statement. The United Group has successively contributed nearly 20 million US dollars to the Army and Navy. If it were not for this relationship, the Navy would not be able to do so just because Contini has a father who is a minister and a future father-in-law who is a leader. Taking out the current battleships is two different things!

Contini smiled: "My idea is very simple. Aren't there some critics outside who say that we are the third largest force in the Mediterranean? The army may be more troublesome, but I think the navy and air force must be built to be the first in the Mediterranean, especially the navy. , there must be an overwhelming advantage, and if necessary, it must even overwhelm the sum of the French Mediterranean Fleet and the British Mediterranean Fleet. This is my criterion for the two strongest ships. Of course, we must show weakness for the time being. Considering the actual situation of the navy, I personally think 4 ships! It’s not a big problem to have five battleships, and the positions don’t need to be abolished, just arrange them on the new heavy cruisers.”

Leifer and Mussolini looked at each other, both a little surprised by Contini's appetite: This is the rhythm of the 444 fleet. The 4 ships with 50,000 tons must be the main force, and the 4 ships with 35,000 tons must be the main force. The Caracciolo class has undergone mid-term improvements after 10 years of service. The other four old battleships are used for guard and reserve team construction. The structure seems to be very reasonable.

Moreover, people have said that the United Group will provide half of the funding! Although the remaining 50 million is not a small amount, considering that it is 10 years from now, both Mussolini and Leifer feel very confident that the finances in ten years will be better than now, and they did not expect that there will be an economic crisis. thing.

"Calais, I basically agree to retire the Da Vinci, but the price..." Leifer rubbed his hands in embarrassment, "I know I'm a little greedy, but since I'm sitting in this position now, I have to do my best. For the sake of the Navy, can you sell it for a little more money? Your floating airport is doing well. Now several people have told me that the Navy still has 60,000 tons of aircraft carrier capacity. Can it be used on a small scale first? Not high, just about 15,000-18,000 tons, so..."

As soon as he said this, Mussolini laughed first, and then Contini also laughed.

Leifer was embarrassed by their laughter, but after saying the words, he could not help but continue to follow. It was always like this when asking for money. Although military development under the Fascist system did not always have to be angry with the parliament like before, This is also the reason why the army unanimously supports the leader. It is a fascist superiority to concentrate on doing big things. But don’t forget that there are two teammates, the army and the air force, who are watching covetously. Therefore, the attitude must be humble. There is no other way. The rich one is the boss. .

"I'll buy the Leonardo da Vinci for 90 million lire... As for the aircraft carrier..." Contini shrugged and turned his attention to Mussolini with a smile.

The latter proudly declared: "Your Excellency, Lord of the Navy, you don't have to worry about the aircraft carrier. My daughter has taken care of it for you. Don't tremble and say 15,000 tons or 18,000 tons. It's just 30,000 tons."

"Daughter?" Leifer was shocked and suddenly remembered something, "You mean, the Ada?"

Contini smiled and nodded.