The Gathering Storm, Redux - Gameplay Thread (WW2 - Early 1940)

[KaiserDave]

Italo-Japanese Trade Treaty

With the power vested in our duly appointed representatives, the Kingdom of Italy and the Empire of Japan agree to the following:

Trade

A. The Empire of Japan shall lower tariffs on the following imports sourced from the Kingdom of Italy:

1. To zero base percentage points, processed and cleaned coal.
2. To three base percentage points, electronic components, miscellaneous
3. To zero base percentage points, manufactured aircraft components
4. To five base percentage points, electronic components, radio or automotive
5. To zero base percentage points, whole cow and goat cheese, including parmesan, mozzarella, and pecorino romano
6. To five base percentage points, all other animal products
7. To zero base percentage points, grapes and fermented grape products, including wine and champagne.
8. To zero base percentage points, all unprocessed metal ores.
9. To zero base percentage points, pig iron ingots.
10. To zero base percentage points, finished steel, bessemer process or otherwise
11. To zero base percentage points, mechanical and machine parts for use in the production of manufactured goods.
12. To zero base percentage points, processed aluminium
13. To zero base percentage points, durum semolina flour and other wheat based products

B. The Kingdom of Italy shall lower tariffs on the following imports sourced from the Empire of Japan:

1. To zero base percentage points, rice.
2. To zero base percentage points, barley, millet, and sorghum.
3. To five base percentage points, all other whole corn or grain
4. To zero base percentage points, fish and marine animal products
5. To five base percentage points, milled flour.
6. To five base percentage points, baked or preserved foodstuffs, including bread, hardtack, and biscuits.
7. To zero base percentage points, soybeans and oilseed.
8. To zero base percentage points, processed textiles of cotton and silk.
9. To zero base percentage points, teas.
10. To zero base percentage points, porcelain and ceramics.
11. To five base percentage points, finished steel.
12. To zero base percentage points, all other clothing and fitted goods.
13. To five base percentage points, electronic and manufacturing components, miscellaneous
14. To five base percentage points, all unprocessed metal ores.

C. The Kingdom of Italy and the Empire of Japan agree to share technical expertise through mutual industrial assistance and collaboration.

D. The Kingdom of Italy and the Empire of Japan agree to coordinate on the construction of infrastructure designed to facilitate trade and economic cooperation.

E. This agreement shall be retroactively effective as of February 1, 1933.

X Shigeru Yoshida, Japanese Ambassador to the Kingdom of Italy, duly appointed representative of the Empire of Japan

Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Duce of Fascism, Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini

On Behalf Of

His Majesty Victor Emmanuelle III, by the Grace of God and the will of the Nation, King of Italy

[KaiserDave]

IL DUCE SPEAKS ON OUR ECONOMIC STRUGGLE

Given over the Radio, with key points printed onto propaganda posters and distributed nationwide

Men and women of Italy!

Today, we are witnessing across the world the simultaneous, and spectacular failure of the policy of individualism. The economics of selfish, decadent, plutocratic liberalism has finally been revealed to be a total farce. Those who have for years claimed to be the elite class of international expertise, and of international commerce have been entirely exposed. All across the world, the banks are failing, the businesses are collapsing, the jobless are innumerable, and the people suffer. And the liberal and reactionary governments are incapable of responding, their feeble and weak notions of government and economy leave them weak. They are run by the corrupt, the stupid, the frail, and the mundane.

But the Italy of Fascism is STRONG. We are capable of responding to any challenge, this is because we rejected the impotent facile economics of individualism or class struggle. Only fascism is capable of serving the needs of the NATION above all, only I, your Duce, am capable. Nobody can deny that the effects of the global economic disaster have effected Italy. There are the problems of unemployment, of prices, and of financial chaos. But worry not, the Italy of Fascism is totally invincible. Never forget that we are the supreme people who produced Caesar and Virgil while the so-called elite Britons and Gauls were living in shacks of mud and thatch.

I have spoken to Minister Guido Jung, responsible for the economic situation, and I have presented my agenda to the Grand Council of Fascism. This government will embark on a bold, revolutionary, ambitious program of spending. Millions of Lira for the employment of those without work, millions for the stabilization of pensions for the elderly, millions for youth programs to train our boys for combat and for service and women for the duties of femininity. Millions of Lira for the development of new mines, and industrial works in the south. Major industrial works and banks will be brought under state control to preserve their integrity and ability to function. The uniform wage will be raised. We will utilize the great resources of our state to prioritize the commerce of Italians over the commerce of the foreigner. The state will reimburse those who have lost their savings in bank runs. There will be a stern crackdown on those vile Marxian saboteurs who seek to turn the laborers against the nation, the trade unions. Yet we will also not fall for the false song of liberalism, putting our whole faith in the machinations of the "free market." We can only put our faith in the nation, in fascism, in Duce, and the King.

This is the power of fascism, it dispenses with the dead ideologies of liberalism, class struggle, and reaction. Fascism brings about the collaboration of all people for the power of the nation, which is totally absolute. Therefore only fascism can successfully confront the current economic crisis. The Italy of Fascism WILL be prosperous, and WILL be rise above these temporary difficulties in a way no other nation can.    

The Flight of Italo Balbo

Marshal Italo Balbo, Quadrumviri del Fascismo has etched himself into history as a great aviator of our times. He has already led Transatlantic Flights before, but now he has gone above and beyond. Balbo has lead an Italian delegation to the United States from the air, with 24 seaplanes to Chicago and New York. The Decennial Air Cruise was welcomed enthusiastically in the nations of Europe before reaching the United States. The delegation visited the World's Fair in Chicago, and presented numerous gifts to the American people, and received a reception in a parade through Manhattan, and in a speech at New York City's Madison Square Garden Balbo declared to Italian-Americans, "Be proud you are Italians. Mussolini has ended the era of humiliations." Balbo received the Distinguished Flying Cross from the American President Roosevelt, and was honored by the Sioux people with the title of "Chief Flying Eagle." The trip has been a smashing success, and upon his return, Balbo has been named Marshal of the Air Force. Many have noted the increasing influence of Balbo, on foreign and domestic policy, and as Il Duce's top lieutenant.

Il Duce in Vienna with the Chancellor Dollfuß

Il Duce embarked on a State Visit to Vienna, accompanied by Rachele Mussolini, Arturo Bocchini, Luigi Federzoni, Dino Grandi, among other dignitaries. He was received in Vienna, which he reached by train, by an honorable delegation of the Austrian Republic led by Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuß. Mussolini joined hands with the Austrian leader, and pledging "all the swords of Italy to the defense of the independence of Austria, and this supremely brilliant individual, the great Dollfuß who has liberated Austria from red tyranny and centuries of servitude." Duce toured Vienna in an open top car with the Chancellor, and visited many famous sites including Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the Vienna Opera House.

Duce cleared that the ideals of the Austrian Chancellor and himself were quite similar, seeking to "extoll the glory of the national homeland" and "defend the Catholic, traditional, nationalist, character of the country against liberalism, Marxism, and anarchy." Il Duce praised the governing policy of the Christian Social Party, which he compared very favorably to Fascism, saying that they were very much alike at that the party has "correctly identified the way to run the Austrian nation economically, morally, and socially."

Il Duce and the Austrian Chancellor further signed a Memorandum on Friendship and Cooperation at the Hofburg in the presence and with the support of President Wilhelm Miklas. The Treaty inked the new brotherhood of the Italian and Austrian people, pledged cooperation in various areas, and most importantly, it declared that the Kingdom of Italy will always defend Austria's independence. Il Duce said to the press that "today we have cast in stone, for all time, that Austria is a distinct, proud nation. It will not submit to the demands of that Lutheran, Prussian expansion regime. Austria is for Austrians. Italy will defend her. Fascist Italy stands by her friends to the last man, and so we shall with Austria."



All Images Wikimedia Commons

[KaiserDave]

Speech of IL DUCE
Delivered Over the Radio

A Fascist is faithful to his friends, a Fascist honors his word and values his honor. When a Fascist makes a promise, he has no recourse but to honor it totally. In 1927 the Italian people took the hand of their Hungarian neighbor in friendship and pledged to protect and honor her sacred rights. The morality of a fascist is strong as steel. Today, Italy honors her commitment to her Hungarian friend. At the very least, we owe her the honor of telling the truth to Europe. The Belgrade propagandists, duplicitous cowards, utterly degenerate, have declared that they were attacked by the Magyars. This is a lie. Europe must know this to be totally false. There was no Hungarian attack on Yugoslavia, this is a fiction. The reality is, is that Belgrade and her cowardly associate Prague, have designed to destroy the spirit and independence of the Hungarian nation once and for all. Hungary, victimized by Trianon, Hungary, countless times the victim of crimes and oppressions, is now attacked again by a desperate conspiracy.

Men and women of Italy, in Hungary there is one man who keeps the nation together, who heroically resists the designs of communism, and who bravely defies the injustices of Trianon. His name is Miklós Horthy. This war is fought to remove him for the selfish gain of degenerate liberals in Prague and and an inept greedy monarch in Belgrade. This would be a total and complete disaster for Europe, Horthy is a great vanguard against Bolshevism, he stands like Caesar with righteousness and strength. His removal would be a victory for Stalin.

This war represents a total insult to the Italian people. We were never consulted by the Yugoslavians over anything, and we are treated as if it does not concern us. We will punish them for these crimes. The Kingdom of Italy will immediately seize certain Yugoslavian assets in Italy, end the sale of certain goods to Yugoslavia, and introduce economic and commercial sanctions in general. I have further ordered that Serbian expatriate organizations in Italy be immediately shutdown. The Yugoslavians have already insulted us before, with how they have deprived us of Italian Dalmatia. It is theft! It is a crime! It is deplorable! The Italy of Fascism refuses to be insulted. We would happily have friendly relations with Belgrade if they accepted that their destiny lies in the Aegean and not the Adriatic! Now they insist that they are entitled to dominance over the southern shores of the Danube! It is absurdity of the highest order. Italy shall not stand for it.

The King, the Kingdom, and I are utterly dedicated to peace in Europe. We are dedicated to the preservation of the rights and dignities entitled to Italy, we are for correcting the mutilated victory of 1918 in a diplomatic manner. We remain in contact with our diplomatic partners at all times. The Italian Legionnaire remains entirely at peace, but he is ready to take up the Gladius if need be to defend the dignity of the nation!   

[KaiserDave]

A MOTION
To the League of Nations

The League of Nations resolves

To CONDEMN the Kingdom of Yugoslavia for resolving to commit a war of aggression against the Kingdom of Hungary

To CONDEMN the Kingdom of Yugoslavia for acts of war and aggression against a country which committed no provocation against it

To CONDEMN the Kingdom of Yugoslavia for dishonestly fabricating evidence of a Hungarian attack to justify a war of aggression

Duce and Prime Minister Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini

In light of continuing aggression by the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, the tyrant Alexander I, and her allies against the Kingdom of Hungary, the Kingdom of Italy resolves to take stronger action against the conspiracies of aggression of Yugoslavia.

The Kingdom of Italy will tighten and strengthen economic sanctions against Yugoslavia in collaboration with the United Kingdom.

The Kingdom of Italy will impose an arms blockade in the Adriatic, enforced by the Regia Marina to stop all weapons and war material shipments to Yugoslavia to encourage an end to the conflict and protest the aggression against Hungary. The blockade will be lifted once the attacking armies withdraw from Hungary and the people of Hungary are allowed to choose their leaders unhindered.

Duce and Prime Minister Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini

[KaiserDave]

Speech of IL DUCE
Delivered Over the Radio

Men and women of Italy! The Red Barbarian is knocking on the door of Europe. Today the Georgian Butcher Stalin has announced so called "security guarantees" for the criminal rulers of Czechoslovakia, Romania, and the decadent Serbian elite who rule in Belgrade. This means these nations are now under Soviet protection. The Soviet Red Army, who were valiantly defeated by Catholic Poland in 1920, threatens war to defend these criminals. They want to join in on the massacre of the Magyars. This represents an assault of the foundations of Europe! It is an attack on civilization! Stalin proclaims a war against the sublime fascism, this is nothing less than an attack on all nations of Europe who reject the Marxist lie. All civilized nations of Europe must stand together against this threat!

The rulers of Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Yugoslavia are highly suspect for accepting the support of Stalin, the grandmaster of international communism. Stalin, who even now is plotting to deploy armed Bolshevik militants against the civilized nations of Europe. We told the Romanians not to join this war, we promised them we would defend them against the aggressive machinations of Moscow, and now they find themselves subjected to the whims of the Bolshevik! Europe is now forced to tremble, as Bolshevism fixes its bloody bayonet soaked with the blood of the Russian people.

But fear not Italians! We are equipped with fascism, which makes us totally invincible! We are defended by the mighty Italian army! The blood of Caesar and Trajan courses in our veins. Among us are the heroes of Piave! We do not fear the Bolshevik! And we know, if we must, we will take up arms to defend civilization against the Red Barbarian! Like Rome thousands of years ago, we are the guardian of culture against barbarism! Europe must choose, do they join Yugoslavia behind the cloak of Stalin, or do they stand for the bright light of superior European civilization and culture! Never accept the protections of Moscow, and Italians, remember that fascism protects Italy, and will be victorious in the end!   

[KaiserDave]

A TREATY
For Non Aggression

The United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Italy agree,

To swear against belligerency and conflict with any signatories of this agreement

To adopt a policy of non aggression towards any signatory of this agreement

To swear off any acts of aggression or direct provocation towards any signatory of this agreement

This Treaty shall be known as the "Anglo-Italian Non Aggression Treaty"

Duce and Prime Minister Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini

[KaiserDave]

A TREATY
For Non Aggression and Cooperation

The Polish Republic and the Kingdom of Italy agree,

To swear against belligerency and conflict with any signatories of this agreement

To adopt a policy of non aggression towards any signatory of this agreement

To swear off any acts of aggression or direct provocation towards any signatory of this agreement

To cooperate in the diplomatic, economic, and security spheres for the benefit of both nations

To work together to advance peace and anti-communism in Europe

This Treaty shall be known as the "Polish-Italian Non Aggression and Cooperation Treaty"

Duce and Prime Minister Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini

[KaiserDave]

Statements from the Italian Foreign Office

We are issuing our full support for the legitimate Spanish Government of Señor Lerroux, who is waging a commendable crusade against the forces of anarchy, Bolshevism, and atheism. It is only with strong and honest men like the Spanish Prime Minister that the barbaric hordes of Bolshevists who threaten to destroy European civilization will be defeated. Signor Mussolini provides brotherly greetings and announces that the Kingdom of Italy will approve a military mission to Madrid led by General Italo Gariboldi to consult with the Spanish government on military matters and provide strategic advice.

The Kingdom of Italy officially recognizes the Republic of Croatia as a legitimate state and the only legitimate representation of the Croatian people. Italy plans to act accordingly. Italy is entering diplomatic talks on the subject of naval incidents in the region.

Duce Benito Mussolini

[KaiserDave]

Benito Mussolini on the Urgent Threats to Europe
Delivered Over the Radio, April 1935, Excerpt

Men and women of Italy. Today Europe faces an existential threat, the most grotesque barbarism, the most despicable criminality. The Bolshevik menace is armed to the teeth, on our doorstep, with millions of armed killers ready to roll over Europe. The list of crimes committed by the Reds is immense, and impossible for me to recount to you tonight, but you must know that know, there is a famine among the Ukrainian people. How is this possible? Ukraine is well known to be abundant in grain. The answer is horrifying, but unsurprising. The Chekists and murderers of the Bolshevik entity are seizing the food stores of the Ukrainian farmers. It is an intentional famine meant to destroy the political independence of the Ukrainian people. They are beating, shooting, starving them into submission. They are trying to stop the League of Nations from investigating their crimes! Make no mistake they will do this to all of Europe if they are allowed to. But they will! Not! Be! Allowed! If necessary, I will march at the head of a Pan-European Army of allied Frenchmen, Britons, Germans, Poles, Austrians, Romanians, and Italians to root out Stalin from his hideaway and bring him before the people's justice. Only fascism is capable of defending against the Bolshevik menace, the incompetent parliamentary liberals of Europe will not defend Italy, they will always betray Italy, but with fascism, we are invincible.

But I wish to raise your attention to another issue, I have before raised the issue of the King Alexander I of Yugoslavia, a detestable tyrant who hides away in Belgrade because his people despise him. Our brothers, the Croatians have risen up against the rule of the Serbian elite who have oppressed them and denied their national aspirations. They have performed successfully on the field, they have proved their right to exist in a national community, and not a part of an artificial construction forced upon them by Paris and London liberals. But the King of Yugoslavia is not stupid, he is marshaling his forces to respond. He plans to wipe the Croat people out, he plans to massacre them by the thousands. I have personally seen internal memos from the Belgrade government alleging plans for a mass violent crackdown on Croats. Furthermore, the Yugoslavs have been in total cooperation with Moscow in recent months. Not only is the Yugoslav state murderous, but it is a fifth column in the European civilizational struggle against communism. Italy has recognized the Republic of Croatia, and we will act to defend its independence from Belgrade. We will act before Alexander I carries out his plans to massacre the Croats, and we will defend Europe from barbarism. As always, Italy is the progenitor and the vanguard of all civilized society. Just as Aetius fended off the Hunnic hordes from glorious Roman civilization, so shall your Duce fend of Bolshevik and Serbian hordes from our modern day Roman civilization!

[KaiserDave]

The Kingdom of Italy will nominate Rome as our candidate to host the 1940 Summer Olympics.

[KaiserDave]

Excerpt from Radio Address of Il Duce

The Bolshevik gang have lied to Europe since their foundation. Now they say that we are the aggressor in the Balkans! Such lies. Yugoslavia invaded Hungary without provocation, they falsified an attack, and now they are trying to wipe out the Croat people! This is the height of barbarism! The Soviets rightly condemn the abuses of the Kwantung Army, but when Croatian villages are put to the sword, they say nothing! The American President is an honorable man, the Italians of the United States, am I told, support him very strongly. He should be proud that the Bolsheviks consider him an enemy. The Kingdom of Italy seeks the independence and freedom of the Croat people, that is all. We are fighting for the immortal spirit of liberty, one the Americans know of from 1776. Not many know this, but Garibaldi himself greatly sympathized with the American spirit of liberty when he extended an offer to command the Unionist forces in the American Civil War. The Croat people have proven they deserve to exist in a national community with their courage. We will fight for them, to fight for Croatia is to fight for Italy, and to fight for Italy is to fight for civilized life itself!

[KaiserDave]

Excerpt from Radio Address of Il Duce

I was informed while I was being briefed on the foreign press headlines that the Soviet government has called me a "would-be Caesar." Either the Russians are very very stupid, or they have had a sudden change of mind! Caesar was a great man! He tore the pages of history asunder! He destroyed the decadent establishment, and he built a new one of virtue and honor! He expanded the boundaries of civilization to all of Europe! He built the greatest empire in the history of man! He took from the decadent elites for the benefit of the soldiery and the nation as a whole! He put the immortal ideals of virtue, honor, and nation ahead of the feeble weakness of individualism and degeneracy. He brought glory to all the Romans and all Europe! It is only because of Caesar that the Parisians have their art and culture. It is only because of Caesar that the Britons have the bustle of London! It is only because of Caesar that the Spaniards have their spectacles of civilization! Caesar is Europe and Europe is Caesar.

Now we all know the Romans never conquered Russia. The sons of Caesar never brought the bright light of civilization to Moscow, where they lived in villages and uncivilized specks for centuries while we Italians built Florence and Venice. If they had, then we would not deal with the Bolshevik peril today. So I thank the Bolsheviks for calling me a would-be Caesar, I am honored! Caesar was a supreme genius of military strategy and of statesmanship. He was the icon of victory! We are still the sons and daughters of Caesar! We have a duty passed down from generation to generation to be the light of civilization. We shall carry out our duties! 

[KaiserDave]

Cabinet of Prime Minister Benito Mussolini

The Duce, Benito Mussolini has seen fit to re-organize the cabinet in accordance with the necessities of the modern political situation. In the fascist society, such actions must be taken with supreme decisiveness and without concern for sentimentality. The inarguable objectives of the nation are totally paramount. To that end, the Cabinet of the Kingdom of Italy has been re-shuffled thusly.

Head of Government and Prime Minister: Benito Mussolini
Foreign Minister: Galeazzo Ciano
Interior Minister: Benito Mussolini
War Minister: Benito Mussolini
Finance Minister: Guido Jung
Public Works Minister: Guido Jung
Corporations Minister: Guido Jung
Air Force Minister: Italo Balbo
PNF Party Minister: Italo Balbo
Justice Minister: Dino Grandi
Colonies Minister: Luigi Razza
Press and Propoganda Minister: Dino Alfieri
National Education Minister: Cesare Maria De Vecchi
Chief of the Police: Arturo Bocchini

Among others...

Duce and Prime Minister Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini




Foreign press and fascism watchers comment on the promotion of Italo Balbo to several key positions, and supremacy over the other Quadrumvirs of the Grand Council of Fascism, perhaps as an indication of Mussolini's preference for German-skeptical politics. Guido Jung is given unprecedented control of the economy to push forward his Keynesian economic program. Galeazzo Ciano has been granted the post of Foreign Minister, testing the son in law of the Duce. Many see an emerging triumvirate of Mussolini's lieutenants, Jung, Balbo, and Ciano. However, the Duce has refused to relinquish several key positions.

[KaiserDave]

Duce Mussolini will lead an Italian Delegation (consisting of Italo Balbo, Emilio de Bono, Galeazzo Ciano, and Crown Prince Umberto among others) to the Opening of the Games of the XI Olympiad and will speak to the entire Italian Olympic Team and make himself available for discussions with other world leaders. Once the games begin, Balbo, Ciano, and the Crown Prince will rotate visits to the games to support Team Italy.

[KaiserDave]

Urgent Press Release from Rome


The Federal State of Austria and the Kingdom of Italy have agreed to a customs union after personal correspondence between Il Duce and His Excellency President Dolfuß. The agreement is based on the new brotherhood of the Italian and Austrian peoples, and the shared commitment to the fascist ideology. Both leaders have cleansed their nation of the Marxist enemy, and have asserted the natural rights of their homelands to prestige and power. Both leaders are bonded strongly together against the demonic forces of atheism, Bolshevism, and anarchy. Together they will lead their nations into the economic and political struggle against the threats to superior European civilization. The Customs Union is to be named the Transalpine Economic Community, which diplomats have indicated could be joined by more nations as regional conflicts settle down. The community is purely designed for mutual economic advantage of member states, it will never undermine the supreme rights of nations with trans-national liberalism. The Kingdom of Italy has further agreed to make new funds available to Austria for upgrading their industry and infrastructure, and the expansion of the Austrian military. Austria has further agreed to sign onto an Anti-Bolshevik Pact with the Kingdom of Italy to swear to defend against Bolshevist aggression and designs against Europe, and to lead the fascist vanguard against Asiatic barbarism. More nations in the civilized community are invited to sign on. Il Duce and the Foreign Minister are expected to stop in Vienna to mark this new agreement very soon. Only fascism can defend civilization, so now Il Duce and the Great Dolfuß will stand together!

Anti-Bolshevik Pact

The Govemment of the Kingdom of Italy and the Federal State of Austria, recognizing that the aim of the Bolshevik ideology, known as well as Marxism, Marxism-Leninism, communism, is to disintegrate and subdue existing States by all means at its command; convinced that the toleration of interference by the Bolshevik menace in the internal affairs of the nations not only endangers their internal peace and social well being, but is also a menace to the peace of the world; desirous of cooperating in the defence against Communist subversion; have agreed as follows

Article 1: The High Contracting States agree to inform one another of the activities of Bolshevik factions, to consult with one another on the necessary preventive measures and to carry these through in close collaboration.

Article 2: The High Contracting Parties will jointly invite third States whose intemal peace is threatened by the subversive activities of the Bolshevists to adopt defensive measures in the spirit of this agreement or to take part in the present agreement.

Article 3: The High Contracting Parties recognize that the USSR is the headquarters of the international Bolshevik menace, which directs and commands communist organizations worldwide, and that it is the premier threat to civilized nations.

Article 4: The Italian as well as the Austrian text of the present agreement is to be deemed the original text. It comes into force on the day of signature and shall remain in force for a period of five years. Before the expiry of this period the High Contracting Parties will come to an understanding over the further methods of their cooperation.

[1] All Images from Wikipedia

[KaiserDave]

Urgent Press Release from Rome


Il Duce is distressed and outrage at the murder of his brother and fellow patriot President Dolfuß, a great statesman and hero of the Austrian and European peoples who brought together Rome and Vienna. Il Duce personally wept at the news of the death of his friend and ally, cut down in the streets by the lowest of humanity who weren't fit to touch a hair on the head of the Austrian President. Il Duce believes that there is a clandestine conspiracy to remove the Fatherland Front from power in Vienna and install a compliant government in the interests of foreign powers. To that end, Italy will act immediately. Il Duce has instructed Arturo Bocchini, Chief of the Police, to immediately dispatch further detachments of the Italian special services to Vienna to reinforce the Fatherland Front's security apparatus. Furthermore, Il Duce has instructed that Marshal of Italy Rodolfo Graziani, responsible for the effective elimination of revolts and banditry and North Africa, be stationed in Vienna with a company of Italian soldiers to provide needed muscle to the Fatherland Front in the suppression of all insurgencies. Il Duce has also approved new shipments of weapons to the Heimwehr, as well as military experts to accompany the troops in the improvement of the Austrian Army. Rome recognizes the government of Acting Chancellor Emil Fey as the only legitimate one, and plans to go on with the Transalpine Economic Community and the Anti-Bolshevik Pact, we will not be intimidated.  

[KaiserDave]

Il Duce Speech at the Funeral of His Excellency President Dolfuß
(Excerpt)


Few in Europe know of the depth of the friendship between myself and the late President. We were very close, his death deeply effected me. When I was told of the news, I broke down in tears. There are very few moments in life when it is appropriate for a man to sob, but when his brother is struck down in the battlefield of life you have no other recourse. Dolfuß was my brother, and so I was totally devastated when I heard of his death. We accomplished great things together. Nations that were once enemies, now together in friendship. We will now spill our sacred blood together in the same trenchline against the enemies of both our peoples. Dolfuß and I saw a world where Italians and Austrians stood together, united by our shared Catholic faith and opposition to Bolshevism. Together, the Italy of Fascism and the Austria of Fascism, united! Dolfuß had incredible courage, and with his passing, we lose a truly great man.

This we accomplished. And we had further designs still! Designs that shall be accomplished! The power of the Fatherland Front and the Partito Nazionale Fascista is invincible and unassailable. And I now say this to the cabal of assassins and cowards who struck down the Great Dolfuß, you will all go to the grave. With the Austrian and Italian nations together you can hide nowhere from our justice.

I extend my hand as a brother to the Austrian people in this time of trial, with the King of Italy and the entire Italian nation. I pledge my support to the independence and security of Austria, and together we will come out of this horrible tragedy stronger than before.

[KaiserDave]

Final Declaration of the Stresa Conference

The Governments of the Kingdom of Italy, French Republic, and United Kingdom, so resolve

That the independence of Austria will continue to inspire their common policy

That the governments will agree to coordinate to defend the sovereignty of Austria from foreign intrusion

That the independence of Austria is key to the stability and peace of central Europe

That Austria is a historic and independent nation with a unique and sovereign people

Benito Mussolini, Duce of Italy and Head of Government

[KaiserDave]

Treaty of Paris

I. The belligerent states of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, Kingdom of Romania, Czechoslovak Republic, and the Kingdom of Hungary agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities and the terms below.
II. The belligerent states of the Republic of Slovenia, the Republic of Croatia and the Kingdom of Yugoslavia agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities and the terms below.
III. All belligerent nations, as well as the French Republic and the Kingdom of Italy recognize the independence of the Republics of Slovenia and Croatia.
IV. All belligerent nations, as well as the French Republic and the Kingdom of Italy recognize the following as the new borders of the region:

III . The Kingdom of Hungary agrees to demilitarize the region within 50km of its border.
VI. The Kingdom of Hungary agrees to relinquish any and all claims on Transylvania.
VII. The Kingdom of Hungary agrees to pay reparations to the Czechoslovak Republic.

Edouard Daladier, Prime Minister

  X King Carol II of Rumania

x Paul Karadordevic, Prince Regent of Yugoslavia

x President Majarzyek

x Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini, Duce and Head of Government

[KaiserDave]

A TREATY
For Non Aggression and Cooperation

The Tsardom of Bulgaria and the Kingdom of Italy agree,

To swear against belligerency and conflict with any signatories of this agreement

To adopt a policy of non aggression towards any signatory of this agreement

To swear off any acts of aggression or direct provocation towards any signatory of this agreement

To cooperate in the diplomatic, economic, and security spheres for the benefit of both nations

To work together to advance peace and anti-communism in Europe

To work together to contain the violent, outrageous, dangerous Serbian entity

This Treaty shall be known as the "Bulgarian-Italian Non Aggression and Cooperation Treaty"

Duce and Prime Minister Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini

[KaiserDave]

The Kingdom of Italy sanctions additional signatories to the ANTI-BOLSHEVIK PACT, with the concurrence of our principal co-signatory, the Empire of Japan.

[KaiserDave]

Triumph in Illyricum

The Italian people have gone into a gleeful celebration over the military victory in the Third Balkan War for the Kingdom of Italy. As well as gleefully receiving Il Duce by the thousands at the Palazzo Venezia, they came out to attend a Triumph organized by the state to honor the victorious soldiers of the campaign. Thousands of people filled the streets as soldiers marched through Rome, including soldiers of the Alpini Battalion, Granatieri di Sardegna, 4th Infantry Division Littorio, and Blackshirt groups. A guest battalion of Croatian soldiers from the Ustaše marched as well. There was a flyover of the Regia Aeronautica. Other detachments as well marched, with some men on horseback, some tanks, and armed vehicles, and hundreds of banners were carried through the streets. Great big national flags were carried by the soldiers, as well as the black banner of fascism. Flags hung from arches in Rome, as well as from homes and windows. Military music was played, and captured Serbian banners were paraded in humiliation through the streets to be thrown before the feet of the commanders. A group of condemned Serbian prisoners, provocateurs, and saboteurs were also brought in chains like the Gauls of old through the street to be mocked and jeered by the population and thrown before the feet of Il Duce, who graciously permitted their release after they begged (prisoner exchange being part of the end of war anyhow, this was for show). Il Duce received the soldiers from the balcony, where he invited the King and the Crown Prince to join him. Il Duce was acclaimed as the Overlord of Illyricum and Conqueror of Dalmazia. Il Duce received continuous applause lasting for several minutes, and delivered brief remarks where he praised the superior Italian soldier, and the accomplishment of Italian destiny on the Adriatic. He also threatened the new Serbian state, condemned their carnival of barbarism in Sarajevo, and proclaimed the indomitability of the Italian nation.

[KaiserDave]

Minutes of the Grand Council of Fascism
To be published in the press...

• Economic course of national reconstruction and rejuvenation has been a spectacular success. Tremendous strides in all industrial fields and total elimination of unemployment imminent. Total success of the fascist economic policy.
• Successful adoption of the Transalpine Economic Community with members Slovenia and Croatia, adoption of policy to unite common regional aligned peoples into an economic bloc led by Rome.
• The success of the direct intervention and spending policy to stimulate industrial growth and employment, Il Duce applauds such a policy as the only national policy for the Italy of Fascism.
• With an eye to the question of preventing a rise in prices and debt, there will strategic slowdown in new developments until there is a sufficient period of recharge and stability.
• There will be an emphasis on improving the efficiency and modernity of existing military-industrial projects, as opposed to constructing new projects.
• Many thanks to Poland for their praise on our successful economic program, Poland is a valued ally of the Kingdom.

[KaiserDave]

Recommitment to Austrian Sovereignty

The undersigned governments redouble our commitments to....

The total independence of the Federal State of Austria, in sovereignty and freedom from foreign inference in its domestic politics.

Unified opposition to any action from a foreign power that might threaten Austrian independence.

A violation of these principles will result in immediate consultations between the undersigned powers to determine appropriate measures.

Benito Mussolini, Duce of Italy and Head of Government

[KaiserDave]

We are pleased to announce an agreement has been reached to save Central Europe from collapse:

Krakow conference
1) An independent organization will be created, called "European monetary fund". Its goal will be borrow a loan on the markets and to then propose the loan to the tchecoslovaquian republic.
2) The solvability of this agency will be guaranteed jointly by France, the UK, Italy and Poland, proportionnally on their current GDP. The economic gains made by this organization will be proportionnally redistributed to each participant based on their GDP as well.
3) Each participant will appoint one member. And each participant will jointly appoint the President of this organization. The president of this organization will closely monitor how the money being loaned to the tchecoslovaquia government is going to be spent so that this follows the current way of Poland, the UK, Italy and France of managing their respective economy

x President Koc

xÉdouard Daladier

Benito Mussolini, Duce of Italy and Head of Government