1932: Playing with the Japanese Communist Party with a doll

damn it!!

Mussolini sat on the old sofa, his fingers drumming unconsciously on the armrest, but his eyes never left Springfield who was sitting opposite him;

He suppressed his inner anxiety and tried to catch a clue from the other person's expression, but the latter seemed extremely calm and kept tossing her coffee gracefully, as if this was just an ordinary afternoon tea party.

"Ms. Field, could you explain the 'divine punishment' you mentioned a little more clearly?"

After a long while, Mussolini finally spoke again, with a hint of tentativeness in his voice:

"Pontiff Pius X was God's representative on earth. His death will have a profound impact on Italy and even the whole of Europe."

"Oh? Mr. Prime Minister, do you really believe that Pope Pius XI is God's representative?"

This question is quite sharp. What does Springfield mean?

Did she want to completely destroy Catholicism, or did she simply hate religion? Mussolini frowned again and continued to test his judgment:

"Ms. Field, my deep faith is unquestionable. However, I am more concerned about the impact of this incident on Italy... and on me personally."

"Mr. Prime Minister, if the power of the Holy See is weakened, Italy's secular government will gain more freedom, right?"

"That's true, but people's eyes are easily obscured by the difficulties of life, so they need religion to soothe their hearts. You may not know that my mother is a devout Catholic. She..."

"But your father was a socialist, wasn't he?" "...it seems you know me well."

"Of course. That's why I don't believe you believe in a false religion. Since you just need a religious symbol to consolidate your regime, I don't think you have to limit yourself to a decadent existence, right?"

Now Mussolini finally understood.

So this woman wants to replace Catholicism and become the new "religious symbol"?

So what... God's People Church?

Mussolini quickly considered the pros and cons.

Mussolini had no psychological barriers to changing his allegiance. As long as the conditions were good enough, he would even believe in a messy cult.

There was no doubt that the influence of the Holy See had been gradually weakening over the past few decades. The death of Pope Pius X, especially in the form of "divine punishment," would undoubtedly further damage the prestige of the Holy See.

Moreover, from what Haruta said, she has successfully controlled the Catholic Church and even has the final say on the selection of the Pope and the future of the Vatican.

Perhaps Catholicism can no longer continue to play the role of a religious symbol? After thinking for a long time, Mussolini asked cautiously:

"Ms. Field, how on earth did you do it? The death of a pope couldn't have been so silent. The Vatican couldn't have been unresponsive. Please don't try to fool me with nonsense like miracles."

Yo, are you still a staunch materialist?

"Mr. Prime Minister, have you ever heard of 'technological singularity'?" "Technological...singularity?"

"When technology reaches a certain critical point, it will be able to create miracles beyond human comprehension. The death of Pope Pius XI is only a tiny part of this... That's all I can explain."

Mussolini's frown deepened.

He did not understand what Springfield meant by "technological singularity", but he clearly realized that the woman in front of him must have some extremely terrifying power in her hands, and this power might be exactly what he had dreamed of.

As a country that was only barely unified in the second half of the 19th century, with a large number of divisive forces still existing within it, extremely scarce resources and an awkward strategic location, Italy cannot be compared at all with traditional European powers such as Britain, Germany and France.

Therefore, jumping left and right, changing with the wind, making friends with all parties, and maneuvering are necessary skills for the survival of such a small country, and are also Mussolini's "principle" - that is, having no principles.

To govern, he could serve Savoy;

In order to prevent the Germans from jumping too much, he took the initiative to run out and become the leader of the Austrian group;

In order to avoid being killed by Italy's various labor protection families, he is willing to purge the Black Shirts and supporters of fundamentalist corporations;

In order to get a piece of the pie in North Africa, he didn't mind giving himself the title of Muslim protector to disgust the British and French colonial order...

Italy's image during World War II was ridiculous, but if you only look at Mussolini's diplomatic operations and domestic image building before 1939, he was undoubtedly a very successful leader.

Whether it was the rapid intervention in the border situation after Dollfuss's assassination to force Hill to stop the offensive, investing in Franco, or mediating with the Czechs to make the French relax, etc.;

In these matters, he possesses a far greater keenness than that of ordinary people. He knows how to seek the most favorable overall situation within a safe range and never gets carried away easily.

Except for attacking Ethiopia and being dragged into World War II by the mustache.

But the problem with this person is that he has "no principles". The number of political speculations he has engaged in during his time in power is almost as many as the number of times a shampooer takes drugs.

The problem is that political speculation is something that is okay to do once or twice, but if you do it too much, no one will be willing to trust your political credibility and will no longer involve you in key interests.

Springfield knew Mussolini's character well, so he naturally knew how to control him.

"Ms. Field, if you are willing to share this strength, Italy will become a permanent ally of the United States and will always stand by you and the United States unconditionally."

Italy becomes my ally...

That would be something that would make the enemy very happy. Haruta smiled and shook his head:

"Mr. Prime Minister, you misunderstood. My power is not meant to be traded, and I will never trade it with anyone."

Mussolini's expression was grim.

Not willing to trade?

So what are you going to use to bribe me? Just because you're pretty, you can do whatever you want!

"Ms. Field, Italy is not your America. We have our own traditions and beliefs. If you try to impose your ideas here, I'm afraid you'll encounter considerable resistance."

"Haha, Mr. Prime Minister, are you threatening me?"

"No, no, no, I'm just stating a fact. The Italian people's devotion to the Lord is deeply rooted. Any attempt to shake this faith will lead to unpredictable consequences."

"O God's piety..."

Chuntian slowly walked to the window and cast his gaze at the distant city of Rome, where ancient and modern times intertwined:

"Mr. Prime Minister, you understand neither me nor your country. I could easily defeat Catholicism and establish a new faith for the Italian people... no, I should say, give them new hope and a new future. But you, as a leader, only care about your own power. If you do that, you will be swept away by the tide of time."

Compared to what Mussolini said just now, this is a naked threat: Do you think you are so awesome?

Do you believe that I can let "Times" eliminate you in a minute?

Knowing that the United States had this capability, Mussolini's face suddenly turned livid. He stood up suddenly, placed his hands on the table, and leaned forward slightly.

"Ms. Field, please be careful with your words. I am the Prime Minister of Italy, not your puppet."

"Mr. Prime Minister, you are right."

Chuntian turned around, put her hands behind her back, and smiled like a gentle and naughty big sister next door:

"You are not my puppet, but you are not the true leader of Italy either. You are just a dictator who is blinded by power."

The atmosphere in the study instantly dropped to freezing point.

No one expected that within five minutes of the meeting, the negotiations between the two leaders would collapse.

But Mussolini had undoubtedly lost the initiative in this game and was at a disadvantage.

This is the tragedy of a small country and poor people.

Mussolini was able to use politics, diplomacy, and even blackmail, whether mainstream or not, to build a second-rate country into one that could chat and laugh with Britain, France, and Germany. This was the limit of what he could do.

But what about the United States?

Even if a pig sits in the president's seat, it can make the whole world breathless, let alone a cunning and terrible woman like Springfield.

Mussolini slowly sat back on the sofa, took several deep breaths, and tried to calm himself down. He took the initiative to ease the atmosphere, with a bit of a "spit in the face and then swallow it" attitude:

"Ms. Field, perhaps we can change the subject...Apart from matters concerning the Vatican, do you have any other purpose for your visit to Italy?"

"Of course, Mr. Prime Minister."

Chuntian had no intention of actually breaking down the negotiations. He nodded and asked the American officer standing nearby to hand him an aid plan document.

"My visit this time is precisely to establish closer economic cooperation with Italy. The United States is willing to provide certain technical and economic support to help Italy get out of its current economic difficulties..."

After casually scanning some of the contents of the plan, Mussolini's eyes flashed with unconcealable joy.

Although he has worked hard to stabilize the turbulent Italian society since taking office, bringing the country long-lost order and tranquility;

However, the Great Depression dealt a heavy blow to Italy and himself. Germany had 50 marks of bread, while Italy was even less than Germany.

The government stabilized the exchange rate, controlled industries, and eased labor-capital conflicts. However, excessive intervention led to economic imbalances. As a result, large enterprises were saved, while a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises went bankrupt, and the economy fell into a quagmire...

People in southern Italy and Sardinia rely on wild vegetables for their diet, and their per capita calorie intake ranks 18th among all European countries. Unemployment rates are high and public discontent is growing.

What did Mussolini do in history? Mainly by diverting conflicts.

As long as we win the foreign war, any contradiction can be covered up.

The problem was that the Italian army was incredibly weak. Mussolini himself was a master of military tactics, a master of micromanagement comparable to a certain Chinese bald man, and even more passionate about it than that Chinese bald man...

As a result, the conflict became bigger and bigger.

In the words of the Italian people later:

Our coffee used to be delicious when the king was a simple Italian king;

When the king became emperor (supporting Mussolini’s invasion and becoming emperor of Ethiopia), all that remained of the coffee was the smell;

When the king became the King of Albania (the same person who supported Mussolini’s invasion of Albania and became king himself), the smell completely disappeared;

If we win again, we will lose even chicory (a common and inexpensive vegetable in southern Europe similar to Chinese cabbage).

The more "victories" there are, the poorer the country becomes, the harder people live, and the less they support the war. The more outrageous actions are taken during the war, and the more "victories" there are...a vicious cycle is formed.

If the US plan can be implemented, Italy will definitely be able to catch its breath temporarily, alleviate the domestic crisis, and even truly become a great power!

At least we won't lose to the Qing Dynasty again!

but....

"Ms. Field, what is the price?"

As a politician with decent governance skills and a keen political sense, Mussolini didn't believe Springfield would be so kind, but he was also worried that the other party would make excessive demands, so he took the initiative to speak:

"If it is a religious issue, we will formulate policies to allow the People of God to preach freely in Italy and provide administrative and financial support."

Of course, if Springfield was willing to offer better conditions, it would not be impossible for him to establish a "national religion".

"Mr. Prime Minister, our cooperation can only last long if it is based on mutual benefit, mutual trust and reciprocity. I believe you understand this."

"Yes, so..."

"We have three conditions. The first, of course, is the question of missionary work. You've already agreed to this, but our members are all self-respecting monks and do not require financial support."

As he spoke, Haruta raised his second finger:

"Second, I believe you've read the news and you should know that I really hate the colonial system. But one or two countries seem to particularly like it, so we need someone in Europe to teach them a lesson..."

Mussolini's face changed slightly.

English, French.

Is the US trying to turn Italy, which is stuck on the edge of the European and African continents, into a stronghold against Britain and France?

This won't do...

In a few years, the Second European War might break out. When Italy is drawn into the war, won't it be pushed directly to the front line?

(Note: As early as 1930, Mussolini had predicted that World War II was imminent. However, the amazing thing is that due to the successive wars in Ethiopia and Spain, and the betrayal by the Mustache, Italy had almost no decent material reserves when World War II broke out. Take coal as an example, in 1938 its production was only 3%, 6%‰ and 3% of that of Britain, France and Germany.)

(In the words of Favagrossa, the head of Italian military production, “How the hell did we dare to go to war in such a situation?”)

Having said that, it was in Italy's interests to fight against Britain and France and seize colonies in Africa, so Mussolini did not object immediately.

As I said, it all depends on whether the benefits are big enough.

If it really doesn't work, then bet on both sides and pretend to obey but actually disobey!

As for Springfield's "hate for colonies" and so on, Mussolini just treated it as fart.

It is nothing more than a high-sounding card played by the emerging powers who have no colonies to take;

He was sure that once the United States replaced Britain and France, colonial rule would be resumed.

In politics, there's no such thing as good or evil, only interests. "I see. What about the third condition?"

511 politics is all about deception and extortion

"...What about the third condition?"

Mussolini tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of the sofa, his eyes always fixed on Chuntian's face which always had a gentle smile on it.

Although the first two conditions proposed by the Americans are somewhat difficult, they are still within an acceptable range. Even if it is to confront Britain and France, as long as Italy does not actively jump out and attract hatred, the danger is actually not too great;

At least, Mussolini was confident that he could make friends with the Germans while fooling the Americans and the British. The French, whom he called "incompetent maggots who deserve to be burned in the fire", were even more insignificant.

The real difficulty must lie in the third point.