1932: Playing with the Japanese Communist Party with a doll

For example, forcing Italians to eat pineapple pizza or something (bushi).

"The third condition is actually very simple. That is, Italy must adhere to the principles of democracy and freedom."

The first two conditions were not difficult at all, but the third one completely blew Mussolini away:

"Ms. Field, isn't your condition a bit too much?" As an old politician, he saw through Springfield's tricks at a glance.

What the hell is "freedom and democracy"!

It's nothing more than trying to play the multi-party politics game! And what is this Mexican guy playing?

dictatorship!

Mussolini was extremely disgusted with the so-called parliament and political parties. This disgust was not only out of interests, but also out of a physiological instinct.

It is conceivable that if Italy agrees to this condition, his dictatorship will face unprecedented challenges.

This touched upon Mussolini's core interests and core ideas, so of course he was furious.

But Chuntian still looked relaxed:

"History has fully proven that dictatorship will only bring disaster, and democracy and freedom can create a better future. What the Italian people need is bread, not disaster, otherwise they will get rid of the disaster makers themselves."

If I don't agree, you'll kill me, right?

Springfield's threat was not concealed at all, but even so, Mussolini still did not dare to turn against him.

This is the law of the world, and any mature politician knows it. Is it too much?

It’s really not too much.

Compared with the attitudes of the United States and Russia when they held peace talks on the Russo-Ukrainian War, Trump ordered Ze Sheng to stay at home and not attend meetings, and sent Vice President Vance to demand half of Ukraine's mineral resources, Springfield was really gentle.

At least, she gave benefits and didn't do a win-win-win situation like "land belongs to Russia, resources belong to the United States, debt belongs to Europe, and glory belongs to Ukraine." (Convinced)

By the way, Zesheng agreed and acknowledged the so-called "3500 billion US aid debt (the actual amount received was less than 700 billion US dollars, and most of it was used to purchase US products)". The only requirement was that the United States had to give Ukraine a "security guarantee."

Even so, King Dong was too lazy to pay attention to him and made public statements many times that he would get Zesheng out of office.

The strong have the power to act arbitrarily.

Therefore, the weak Mussolini could only suppress his temper and say:

"You may not be aware that Italy's current political system was established to cope with a special historical period. If reforms are made hastily, the situation may get out of control, which I believe is not what you want to see."

"That's true, but this special period can't last forever. No dictator can guarantee that their decisions will always be correct. Only by pooling the wisdom of the people can we ensure the long-term stability of the country."

"However, if the status quo is maintained, the only person you will need to communicate with will be me, which will be more beneficial to both you and the United States."

"That's true, but what I hope to see is a brand new Italy that can bring greater help to my own ideals, the ideals of the United States, and the future of mankind as a whole."

"Ms. Field, perhaps we can find a compromise solution, gradually advancing reform without immediately changing the existing system. What do you think?"

"I can accept that, but the Italian people may not be willing to wait any longer. If you are unwilling to make changes, the tide of history will ruthlessly drown you."

After a while, the atmosphere in the study dropped to freezing point again.

Mussolini finally lost his composure.

Too much!

unacceptable!

This woman really doesn't understand the most basic political etiquette! Politics is the art of compromise and exchange!

How can you be so stubborn and unwavering in your own conditions?

Italy does not dare to offend the United States, but that does not mean it has to choose sides!

Anyway, America is so far away, I can just go to England! At this time, Chuntian suddenly suggested:

"Mr. Prime Minister, why don't you ask everyone else to leave so we can talk privately?"

What is she going to do?

Although he didn't understand, Mussolini didn't think that this young girl from Springfield would cause him any harm, so he nodded with a grim face.

When they were the only two left in the room, Mussolini's thumb unconsciously rubbed the walnut tabletop. The bronze sculpture of a wolf feeding on its mother radiated a cold light, reflecting his tense jawline.

"You destroyed the clergy with divine punishment, and now you want to drown us fascists in the holy water of democracy and freedom? Do you want me to disband the National Security Court? Abolish the Special Police Act? Or engage in a parliamentary debate like those wimps in London?"

"Mr. Prime Minister, I think you may have misunderstood what I meant from the beginning." Chuntian took the initiative to pour a cup of coffee for Mussolini and gave him a way out in a gentle tone:

"When I talk about democracy and freedom, I don't mean to overthrow your regime or foster opposition in Italy to cause trouble for you. In fact, apart from the United States, I don't care what kind of national system other countries use."

Even though he knew this was most likely a lie or a polite remark, Mussolini's expression still improved a lot. He nodded slightly and said:

"Yes, I believe you won't do that, so..." "So all I want is a promise from you." "Promise?"

"Yes, you must absolutely guarantee that no humanitarian crisis will be created in Italy. You must ensure that every penny of US aid goes to Italy's economic development and improvement of people's livelihoods, and that it is subject to an open, transparent and comprehensive audit by us."

"Of course! I love this country and will of course ensure the well-being of its people and the development of its economy!"

Mussolini's tone deliberately revealed the anger of being mistrusted, but it was not entirely polite talk.

Although he had committed massacres such as the "Turin Massacre", compared with the anthropomorphic behavior of Xier and the Japanese devils, Lao Mo was indeed not too cruel among all the rulers.

Well, pumping castor oil into people to induce diarrhea and death seems only slightly more abstract than making kosher soap.

"I believe you do think so." Haruta nodded and changed the subject:

"However, many of your subordinates in Italy may not think so."

"What do you mean?"

"Mr. Prime Minister, have you heard of the Second Law of Thermodynamics? In an isolated, closed system, things always spontaneously and irreversibly move in the direction of descent, or increasing chaos, just like the corrupt Church. And your fascist regime is striding in this direction."

Springfield's meaning was clear—Italy's Fascist regime was corrupt and incompetent, just like the Vatican.

This was quite harsh, but Mussolini really couldn't refute it. Family members know their own business.

Corruption, no doubt - Mussolini himself had heard soldiers complain more than once about their food being cut, and about the water they were given being not only the same color as soy sauce but also tasting worse than soy sauce.

There was even a song sung on the streets: "The leader's table has French foie gras and Russian caviar, and the soldiers' plates have only bean soup crawling with maggots."

Incompetence is understandable - Italy's domestic power structure is complex and its interests are entangled. He is just a "common leader" elected by everyone. It is hard to say how many people actually listen to his words.

With all parties hindering each other, the combat effectiveness of both the Italian government and the army was quite poor, otherwise the "March on Rome" would not have been won so easily.

But can the so-called "democracy and freedom" eliminate these problems? Mussolini scoffed at this.

Perhaps his Italy has some problems, but can the free and democratic America avoid them?

Making trouble!

The Bolsheviks were so enthusiastic about establishing the "Soviet" system at the beginning, but now isn't Stalin moving further and further in the direction of dictatorship?

After all, Your Highness, the Saint, is probably the one who has final say in the United States and won't tolerate any dissenting opinions, right?

Mussolini kept these taunts to himself, asking, "So, what do you want me to do?"

"Just signing some papers."

Haruta pulled out a few documents from his bag:

"The Labor Law, the Labor Protection Law, the Supplementary Provisions for Promoting Labor Rights and Interests... I've said before that I don't care what system a country adopts, but I hope that the majority of people in every country can live a good life."

Oh, she is truly worthy of being called a "saint," always speaking in such high-sounding terms... Mussolini knew what was written in these documents without even reading their contents, and he also knew exactly what these "venomous suggestions" meant:

As long as the loophole of labor rights protection is opened, loopholes in many other areas will be forced to open as well, and the underground anti-fascist alliance will grow like spring grass.

Labor rights, right?

Is workers' freedom of speech one of labor rights? If so, is association and assembly legal?

Since association and assembly are legal, shouldn't the political prisoners who were previously arrested be released?

Should press freedom be restored?

The democratization process...

In this way, the fascist dictatorship system that Mussolini had worked so hard to build would soon collapse.

Ultimately, it's still the same strategy of forming an opposition faction, but under the leadership of this saint, the United States has made some of its tactics more covert!

So young, yet so skilled, where did you learn that? But, if you want to fool a Mexican like me, you're still a little too young! Let me think, how should I...

As if anticipating Mussolini's refusal, Springfield produced another document and waved it around like a magician:

"If this suggestion is unacceptable to you, then I have another suggestion - we hope that Italy can maintain a consistent position with the United States on certain international affairs."

"..for example?"

“At the Geneva Conference, Italy should propose some...interesting amendments to the Covenant of the League of Nations.”

What correction...

The moment Mussolini took the document and saw the title, his pupils suddenly contracted.

The first page of the document was printed with a striking title:

"Recommendations for the Establishment of International Trusteeship for Colonial and Other Related Areas of the World".

Good guys!

The United States wants Italy to take the lead in attacking Britain and France? "That's impossible!"

Mussolini blurted out:

"This will make Italy the public enemy of the whole of Europe!"

This proposal is even more serious than things like labor rights. What are Britain and France?

Europe's Big Brother!

The former is even the world hegemon!

Fighting for labor rights is a slow death. If Italy confronts Britain and France head-on, it might just want to die tomorrow!

The British might send several destroyer fleets to the Mediterranean tomorrow!

Chuntian's gentle face was still smiling, but his eyes had obviously turned cold:

"This won't work, and that won't work. What exactly do you want to do? Mr. Prime Minister, I don't have that much time and energy, and my temper isn't exactly the best either."

Mussolini's fingers trembled slightly, and the sorrow of a small country rose again in his heart.

Offending the old imperialist powers of Britain and France, or angering the emerging challenging power of the United States? This is a difficult choice.

If Italy rejects Springfield, it will not only lose the precious opportunity for aid, but Mussolini's regime will also face a crisis no less serious than the "Matteotti Incident."

However, if we accept Haruta's advice, it will either lead to slow death or completely offend Britain and France, which is not a good option either.

Die in the future, or die now?

At this moment, Mussolini was filled with resentment. Damn Britain, America, and France, just fight among yourselves!

Why do you have to drag us small countries who just want to live in peace into this?

It’s good to be the leader of a big country. He can continue to drink coffee calmly even after forcing others so much.

"Mr. Prime Minister, I believe you understand that I can not only provide you with financial assistance, but also replace His Holiness the Pope and provide you with the necessary political and religious guarantees..."

"Miss F..."

"But I can also use this power to do things that make everyone unhappy."

Without waiting for Mussolini's response, Haruta calmly read out a passage: "On November 10, 1924, the temperature was 12°C, in the third lounge of the Capitol in Rome, you told the Secretary of State, 'We need some sacred violence.' That evening, the Apostolic Palace also received your handwritten letter..."

“! ! ! ”

Mussolini's breath hitched. What was this?

The "Matteotti incident" that almost got him kicked off the stage.

He sent people to assassinate Matteotti, and finally put the blame on his subordinates. However, his subordinates refused and turned around to bite him. If it were not for the protection of the Vatican and the King's reluctance to change the government, his Mexican ruling career might have ended there.

The Americans actually found out this?

Is it just bluffing, or is there real evidence? A cold sweat broke out on Mussolini's bald head:

"Ms. Field, I...I don't quite understand what you are saying..."

"Really? But I heard someone has made contact with Matteotti's wife and got some diaries or something like that."

"!! !"

Anyone?