Mediterranean hegemon

After reading this article, the old Ciano felt very complicated. For the first time, he felt that the son in front of him was so strange (nonsense, Contini had taken over everything), but the article was really well written, full of passion and There are rational arguments, and whether it is correct or not is not a question that he should consider at all - is it politically correct? In this article, as a Ph.D. graduate from the University of Rome, Contini not only clearly wrote the theories that Mussolini had expounded but not yet summarized in Fascist thought, but also incorporated the future Hitler's program. Once inside, it is truly an inspiring and passionate poem.

These days, all the people who are able to serve as the chief expert of the "Hearts of Iron" advisory group are knowledgeable and capable, but their personal consequences are a bit miserable: his old friend and the chief expert of the German advisory group, Mr. Hoffmann, died in an elevator accident a few years ago. As for the disappearance, no one has been seen alive or dead so far. Unexpectedly, bad luck is contagious. Within two years, Contini was caught in a fatal car accident, and he didn't know whose turn it would be next.

"The article is very well written. I think I am qualified to be the editor-in-chief. The leader also climbed up the ranks step by step by running newspapers, but..." Old Ciano still didn't get the answer from his son, so he wanted to ask for more information, " Why do you insist on setting up a new newspaper? Our party has an organ. Before the leader left, he handed over the post of editor-in-chief of "Italy People" to his brother Arnaldu, although his ability is not as good as that of the leader. But if you want to work under him, it’s not impossible. Based on my face and the leader’s appreciation for you, it’s more than enough to be a deputy editor after graduation.”

"Father, you are right, but I have other considerations."

"Tell me about it."

"This..." Contini hesitated.

"It's okay. It's just us, father and son, and I only have you as my son. Are you still worried that I will harm you?"

"Actually, what I want is not just newspapers..." Contini said, "The leader has personally agreed to canonize me as the Italian Youth Leader. I will do this well. I will organize all students from all Italian secondary and higher schools. rise up, truly turn the Young Italian League into an organization of young Italians themselves, truly become a well-structured and disciplined system, truly become the party's Guards, Youth Army, and Reserves...compared with the current mixed situation of the black shirts. Differently, the Young Italian League will have unprecedented vitality and at the same time have high cultural literacy.”

The old Ciano was very shocked. Although Contini had just said it very implicitly, he immediately understood its profound meaning: If this youth league is really as described by his son, then in 20 years they will be the ones in Italian politics. world, and as a leader, Contini's ultimate ambition is about to emerge - to become the next leader!

"You kid is braver than me!"

Contini took a deep breath and asked: "Father, in your opinion, in what way are my origins, my family background, my IQ, and my methods inferior to those of a leader at this age?"

The old Ciano closed his eyes and thought about it. Indeed, the ability he showed now was much better than that of Mussolini when he was 19 years old. He used to have a bit of a dandy style, but it seems that it is gone now. It can be seen that the University of Rome can still shape Human - he didn't know that his son had a soul with nearly a hundred years of experience.

"If I join "Italian People's Daily" or even become deputy editor-in-chief, although I will gain a higher platform personally, my friends and the backbone of the organization will be separated from me. I will be just a member of the huge machine of the party. An inconspicuous part will soon be the same as everyone else. Even because of my age and qualifications, I will suffer a lot. If I start a new newspaper, even if my voice is weak, it will be my personal big name. A platform to show off your talents.”

The old Ciano said worriedly: "I have to remind you, son, the leader also has a background in running newspapers. He may see through your ideas soon. Although he appreciates you now, he may not allow you to truly grow up. The leader's desire for control is very strong and he does not allow others to challenge his authority... After all, he is not yet 40 years old!"

"I only need two years. I will only be 21 years old in two years. I will not pose a threat to the leader." Contini smiled. "I will graduate from college in two years and can find another stage."

"Why two years?" Old Ciano knew that his son was certainly not saying this because he wanted to graduate and find a job. In this current situation, whether he had this diploma or not was completely unimportant.

"I estimate that it will take at least two years for the leader to truly take control of the situation." Contini analyzed. "The leader entered Rome with a revolutionary attitude and obtained the right to form a cabinet, but his political opponents have not disappeared. They are still eager to join forces with the leader. At a higher level, Rome's previously unfavorable joint politics will be restricted in Rome. He can threaten and intimidate, but he cannot backhand and must rely on political means. In the future, the parliamentary competition will be very fierce, so..."

Old Ciano was shocked. This was what they had just met to discuss: Mussolini had realized the complexity of the situation in Rome. In order to consolidate power and dispel the doubts of the king, the big bourgeoisie, and the parliamentary group about the Blackshirts, he had He had decided to take the path of "legitimate" struggle and "never resort to force unless absolutely necessary." He hadn't even spoken yet. How did little Ciano know? Isn't this amazing?

Contini smiled lightly: "Am I right?"

"That's right."

"Public opinion and propaganda are very important in legitimate political struggles. I have carefully analyzed the style of "Italian People's Daily". In order to take care of the people at the bottom and reflect street politics, the articles in it are relatively direct, crude and superficial. Although this is convenient I understand, but it seems a bit low-key for intellectuals. The newspaper I want to run is aimed at students, teachers, intellectuals, and the middle class in Italian secondary and higher education institutions. Although the audience is not as wide as the official newspaper, we will have it. More detailed theoretical arguments will be used to echo the party’s policies with more adequate and convincing practical articles, and win public opinion positions for the party among young people, intellectuals and middle- and high-end people!”

Contini convinced the elder Ciano, who brought him to Mussolini to report directly.

"Very good, I agree to this idea. The newspaper will be called "Italian Youth", which can be regarded as the second organ of the party. However, this relationship will not be disclosed for the time being. Calais can be the editor-in-chief, and other editorial and distribution departments can The staff can all be appointed by Calais, but in order to prevent the difference in propaganda caliber between "Youth" and "Italian People", a liaison officer needs to be sent... What do you think? "

"Of course this is excellent. Leaders are always more thoughtful than us. With your instructions and the guidance of the special correspondent, Youth Daily will definitely be able to do better." Contini was complaining about Mussolini's intervention in his heart. , but had to pretend to be very respectful on his face.

Mussolini obviously took advantage of this flattery: College students are different after all, they are all so good at flattery.

"Hahaha, it is my greatest gratification to see you young people grow up. There are successors to the party's cause." Mussolini flicked Continini's article "One Doctrine, One Party, One Leader" with his hand. , "The writing is very good, better than when I was young. You publish it first, and then two days later I will ask "People's Daily" to reprint it and follow up!"

"Leader, it's a matter of funding..." It was difficult for Contini to say this, so old Ciano spoke for him first.

"At present, the party has 100,000 troops gathered in Rome, and the daily expenses are astronomical. I really can't change the money. However, Calais has made great contributions to the party this time, and now it has to do something else. No matter what, it must be done Support it. Let's do this. I'll ask the People's Daily to support 20,000 lire as the start-up funds, and you will have to raise it yourself." Mussolini patted Contini on the shoulder, "Calais, I'm optimistic about you. , we will definitely be able to break out a bloody path.”

During this period, due to the unstable political situation in Italy and the fact that the Italian economy had not yet recovered from the trauma of World War I, the currency value of the lira was very low. It takes about 25 lire to exchange for 1 U.S. dollar, and 20,000 lire is equal to 800 U.S. dollars. Although 800 U.S. dollars in At this time, the money was not too big, and could buy a Ford Model T car, but it was obviously not enough for running a newspaper. What's more, Youth Daily is starting from scratch and does not have any subscribers at all. If it cannot open up the situation, the 20,000 lire will be used up just by renting a house, setting up an editorial office, and printing 3-4 issues of the newspaper.

In Mussolini's eyes, the existence of "Youth" was actually insignificant. It was just that the old Ciano had to give face, and the young Calais also had to praise it, so the figure of 20,000 lire was given.

The old Ciano couldn't bear it and wanted to fight for more for his son, but Contini did not hesitate and readily agreed: "Thanks to the leader for his love, we will definitely finish the newspaper and run it well!"

"If you have any difficulties in the future, you can come to me at any time, or you can ask your father to come to me." Since Contini was no longer rushing to ask for money, Mussolini just wrote a blank check casually, "The Party is Your strongest support!”