-15- Italian population to move away from the larger centers. Just as if the poor Italians were rich tourists, all of which possessed villas outside Mlan and Turin." I had not chosen this argument by mere chance, as I had a presentiment, that there was a rift between my listener and Mussolini. And in fact, as I cited "smoking at five" Clano's face lightened up in a large understanding smile. But when I mentioned the Mussolini advice to move away from the large cities, he interrupted me at once. "Not only that'." he cried, but the government does nothing. They advise the Italians to move out of Milan, Turin and Genoa, they advise hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, and what does the government do? Not one single thing to prepare lodgings for all these people , not one single preparation to assist them in any way. They give an advice - and then they wash their hands. And that is not all. Mussolini says, that the Italian soldiers are good, if they are well commanded and well armed, fine'. And who has the responsibility of commanding them well? Who is the one to arm them well?"I looked at him in great surprise. Then I said "I wish to give Mou an advice. Please do not talk that way in the future, because You will have trouble." He shrugged his shoulders. "From Mussolini I have nothing to fear." Tragic ingenuity. WHY MUSSOLINI HATED HITLER III The conversation turned once more to the Germans. As it is over a year and a half since this private talk took place - and being that it was a very long one, I cannot possibly remember everything that was said, or the different turns of the conversation, nor why and how we came to pass from... |