Undated memorandum entitled "How Strong Is Mussolini?" Source not identified.
Date
2011-06-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Enclosed with No. 1063. Mussolini's power not so great as it seems to superficial observer; chief among factors he cannot control are the Catholic Church and the Monarchy; at peak of popularity when Addis Ababa was occupied, popularity has waned since; the Italian masses have no clear idea of international situation, but disillusioned after Austrian Anschluss; Abyssinia a Pyrric victory which cost Italians about 2 billion dollars; Italian economy crippled; intervention in Spain cost many Italian lives and has not yet brought victory for Franco; Italy unable to oppose German advance in Central Europe; Fascism aims are (1) annexation of territories geographically a part of Italy, (2) hegemony in the Mediterranean, and (3) formation of colonial empire; Mussolini cannot realize aims without German alliance; has no rivals for personal power in Italy such as Hitler has in Goering, Goebbels, Himmler, and Ribbentrop; leading figures in Italy taken away from limelight; ruling clique composed of two Cianos, daughter of the Duce and her husband, Minister of Foreign Affairs, [Arturo] Bocchini, Chief of Police, [Achille] Storace, Secretary of Fascist Party, [Dino] Alfieri, Propaganda Minister, [Roberto] Garinacci, radical Party member; clique favors closer alliance with Germany, and less tolerance for Church, Jews, and Monarchy; opposition of Church to Fascism increasing; was opposed to Abyssinian war, to intervention in Spain, and to alliance with Germany; Church finds ally in Royal Court, chiefly Crown Prince Umberto; King has long resigned himself to position of phantom ruler; Fascist militia supports Mussolini and the Party; Generals of regular army, with some exceptions, oppose, and are in close contact with Church and Crown; many smaller groups oppose Mussolini and his policies, but not well organized and have no power; if all opposing forces could get together, political situation in Italy ripe for change.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.