Post by Northern Italy on Jan 7, 2017 18:27:20 GMT -7
Italian Occupied Monaco... 1945
They had won. All the lives lost, all the plans completed, the weapons built, rationing over... It was an odd feeling to much of the world's citizens with the abrupt end of the Second World War, the results? A complete military victory for the Axis powers.
The military power possessed by the Axis Powers had taken the world by storm, German and Japanese troops along with their collaborators and puppets conquered most of Eurasia in the six years of world war. Germany controlled practically all of Europe, directly or indirectly and West Africa, while Japan dominated East Asia and the majority of the Pacific Islands. And Italy? What had he done? Compared to his partners he had nothing, just the leftovers of France, some parts of Balkans and some large chunks of desert in Africa. Yes... Very impressive...
Hence the reason he has invited Germany to Italian occupied Monaco. Italy had gained very little from the war and needed Germany's assistance at this peace conference in Moscow. Perhaps Germany could hand, German North Africa, Corsica and Yugoslavia to Italy? After all, they were Axis partners and could possibly work an agreement out for the hand over of these territories, Italy had sent a large amount of troops to assist on the Eastern Front when his own little campaigns had ended, he was expecting compensation of some sort! The problem was, with his friend's new found power, he could just reject Italy's proposals and even invade Italy himself! He had to prove that he was of some use to the Axis! So that's why he had chosen Monaco, a nice looking place that he did manage to take successfully.
Italy paced on the platform while the band and other fascist officials waited patiently. He had much to speak to Germany about, not just involving some territorial concessions on Germany's Empire... He needed financial and military assistance, the Italian armed forces despite being victorious was both outdated and ill equipped for another major war, Italy needed time to reorganize. The subject of Japan also had to be discussed... He could become a very likely enemy in the future.
His thoughts were interrupted with the arrival of the train, all at once the band started playing the national anthem of Germany as the train slowed down. Italy stood at attention and waited for his friend to exit the train. When Germany finally did, Italy gave the fascist salute before offering his hand to his friend.
"Ve~ Hello my friend, it is good to see you. Welcome to Monaco. I trust you had a nice train ride?"
Last Edit: Jan 7, 2017 20:51:28 GMT -7 by Northern Italy
If any nation was looking forward to the end of the war as a time to rest, they were probably mistaken about what the end in hostilities would look like in practical terms. Germany for one wasn't expecting rest - after all, there's always something that needs his time and attention. In fact, if he was given a break he'd have a hard time figuring out what to do with it if that break lasted any longer than it took catch up on sleep, have a good meal and a good workout, and things of that nature. Once he ran out of such practical things to occupy his time, he'd be at a complete loss for what to do with himself and he wouldn't like it. Which is why it's not necessarily a bad thing in his eyes that he has one of the longest post-war to-do lists out of any nation.
And, of course, a huge chunk of that to-do list involves meetings. Both public and private, and with practically everyone - both groups and individuals. Several meetings, in some cases. In fact, that's why he's planning on host a peace conference in Moscow as soon as is feasible - it would be much more efficient to gather everyone together into one place so that they can quickly have all these needed conversations at once instead of everyone having to travel everywhere. Especially since some of these conversations involve more than two nations, and others greatly depend on the results of other conversations.
However, one conversation that he definitely needs to have that he doesn't want to wait for the conference is the one with Italy. After all, if there is to be any arguing between him and his closest ally, he doesn't want to do it where everyone else will hear about it - that would make their alliance appear weak and others might think that they can take advantage of that.
Of course, a part of the problem is that he finds himself to be unsure about whether or not another nation could take advantage of a weakness in the alliance. After all, though Italy has stood strongly at his side starting even before the war, that was before the war. And the war changed things - he himself finds it difficult to really think about just how much is under his control now, compared to before. Not that he hasn't also had more in the past, but not this much. Much has also happened to Italy, so now it's easy to wonder if things have changed between them? That question seemed to be less important before, because after all it was in both of their best interests to get along while the war was still going, but now that it's over the question has become very important indeed.
And so he wanted to meet with Italy privately before the conference, though he was a bit surprised when his friend and ally suggested Monaco. But that was mostly because it seemed to be a bit random, and not because he had any objection to it. It is, after all, not the most difficult place for him to go. And the train ride was not unpleasant - in fact, it gave him the opportunity to concentrate of some of the documents that he's been needing to look over. As the train approaches the station he puts them away, and as he waits for the train to come to a stop, he can faintly hear the sound of his anthem being played. Trust Italy to know how to give a warm welcome!
His expression is serious as he exits the train - but then again, when isn't it serious? But he's quick to return the salute and then to shake his hand, being careful to remember his new strength when he does so. "It is good to see you too! And ja - the countryside is alvays pleasant to see this time of year," he says conversationally. Not that he looked up from the documents he was reading very often, but when he did it was generally nice countryside. And less often a town or city, no doubt full of people going about their day, happy to live in a world now at peace. "Danke for the very varm velcome," he adds, "It is alvays good to see you!"
Post by Northern Italy on Jan 9, 2017 5:51:14 GMT -7
Italy had wanted to put on a show for his ally to prove his worthiness to the Axis Powers. He had to show Germany that his people were a competent, dependable and important ally of the German Reich, that they were willing to fight to the end with their German partners. Thus everything had to go perfectly, to give the German at least a favorable opinion of his southern neighbor.
And it already seemed like it was working all according to plan, Monaco was a much safer place to show case Italian influence in Europe, Athens would have been better, yet that city was dead literally, atmospherically and in beauty after Italy had secured Greece's official capitulation.
He saw his ally with his usual expression that he wore with him everywhere... Seriousness. Could you blame him? Germany just gained a lot of strength from the control of most of Europe! It was a burden to try and sort out what he had to do with all that new land the Wehrmacht had just won. After the two had shaken hands, they were both walking towards the exit of the station.
"Ah yes, I must admit that my elder brother does have a simply beautiful countryside in general. Nothing much can beat the French countryside... Well, I can't say that now, it's German countryside now."
France was quite beautiful during this time of year indeed. The actual man himself was not nearly like this these times, especially with German occupation or Italy's back stabbing entry into the war. He didn't care if his brother saw him, the younger sibling as a traitor. France was a fool, he should have known Italy's reputation as a traitorous nation.
"You needn't thank me friend, it is the least I could do for... your help to me during the war. I'd however, like to congratulate you winning the war! I hope the expeditionary troops that we had sent were sufficient enough for the tasks you gave them?"
When he had inspected the Italian expeditionary forces to Russia it had been a calamity. Soldiers without proper winter clothing, nor adequate tanks but obsolete L3 tankettes designed to shoot down infantry not Russian armor and a general lack of food for the men. The two reached a black car seated for five, while two trucks were waiting behind and in front of the vehicle to escort them. Though there was no resistance movement in Monaco it didn't hurt to be careful.
Italian Fascist Blackshirts lined the way to the black car saluting and shouting: "Viva la Potenze dell Asse!"
The driver open the passenger seat for the two of them to enter. Italy motioned Germany to enter the car...
"Shall we?"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shout of the Blackshirts: "Viva la Potenze dell Asse!" = "Long live the Axis Powers!"
Walking alongside his ally and following his lead, Germany can't help but feel himself relax slightly at hearing the chattering of his friend. When they first met he'd found Italy's seeming inability to remain silent for long rather irritating, but he supposes that he got used to it after a while. Now it has become very familiar - a reminder of the time not even that long ago when it was just the two of them, before the war that changed everything. Besides, he's not very good at small talk himself, so perhaps it's a good thing that Italy can do more than enough of it for both of them.
In fact when Italy corrects himself about whose countryside Germany was viewing though the window of the train, the large empire hums to himself with what sounds like actual amusement. Though Germany's amusement fades quickly when Italy goes on to mention the expeditionary troops. He hums again, but this time it's a much more neutral sound that could be mistaken for an affirmative but is more likely to simply be an acknowledgement that Italy said something. "Your assistance during the var vas greatly appreciated," he says, also neutrally. It's the thought that counts?
He's quick enter the vehicle when it's indicated that he should, appreciating the security. While death is the furthest worry on his mind at this point, that doesn't mean that he can't get hurt and that would quite literally be a pain. And he understands having it even if there hasn't been any resistance - quite often the level of security is the reason why there is no resistance. This is something that he understands and has implemented in many parts of his new lands, were the populace aren't exactly happy with the situation. Of course he'd prefer for them to be happy, but he's willing to settle for cooperative.
Post by Northern Italy on Jan 11, 2017 5:30:40 GMT -7
Well it was great that Germany seemed to appreciate his troops during the war. They were allies after all so Italy was more or less obligated to assist Germany. Though, it had to be noted that during the war Germany and Italy had fought parallel wars, Germany had invaded Europe and the Soviet Union while he kept himself occupied with a war against Greece. It was only after he finally achieved victory in the Greek war that he had sent troops onto the Eastern front, to hear his ally's appreciation of these troops did make Italy feel less awkward around the German.
Following Germany he entered the vehicle, waiting for the driver to return to the driver's seat. At the sight of the two of them in the car, Italian troops began clambering onto the trucks to escort them to the Italian Headquarters in Monaco. When the convoy was ready they proceeded towards the headquarters. It felt odd to see the streets a little more empty as usual, then again the Monacans were probably not so thrilled to have the Italian army set up camp in their own city. Italy had also heard that the recent imperial law in the Italian Empire to Italianize all peoples under the rule of Emperor Victor Emmanuel III was proving massively unpopular. When Italy came to sort out those issues, he doubted that any of his territories would reject the new law. Even now the street signs that were once French had been changed to Italian... That was much better.
As they were being driven, Italy looked towards Germany. To him his partner seemed a little distracted. Maybe working hard was taking it's toll on his friend? Then again, Germany wasn't one to shy away or neglect work and he did seem devoted to his boss. Germany was probably happy the way he was now, with his new found power and sweet revenge, he had the ability to do much in the world.
"So, when will you begin the construction of Germania? My Boss and I have seen the model that Albert Speer has designed for your Boss. He's a great architect, huh? To be honest I'm very impressed that your new capital will look that big and a splendor to see.
Last Edit: Jan 11, 2017 5:31:19 GMT -7 by Northern Italy
Given the sheer length of the list of things that Germany absolutely must do either now or very soon, he has to put off almost everything that can wait until later - 'later' meaning 'when everything settles down into some semblance of normalcy'. One of the many things that he's putting off until later is offering his services to Italy in order to help his friend get better organized so that his military and other important supporting parts are a bit less... is 'disgraceful' too harsh of a word? He did the same thing before and during the beginning of the war, but obviously his friend hasn't kept up with the maintenance if he was sending him such soldiers at the end of the war. It's a good thing that he didn't really need them.
But all of that can wait until later - right now it isn't something that he wants to spend much time discussing and if he starts explaining to Italy how he really felt about the expeditionary troops, he's not sure that he would have enough time to talk about anything else. So he might as well let Italy think everything about that was fine until he's more ready to discuss it.
As they travel Germany notices the Italization of the place. But that doesn't surprise him because he's been doing the same with his captured territories, who also aren't exactly happy with him for it either, but he's willing to put up with their displeasure in the short term because the long term benefits are more than worth it - after all, if everyone in all of his lands are German then it would only be natural for them to be a part of Germany. Then they'll accept their fate and he will no longer have to worry that any of them will resist his leadership.
But though he notices those details, it's true that he's rather distracted - the number of things on his mind lately is huge and it's easy for him to get lost in thought if given half a chance. But it's also easy to get his attention again, so when Italy asks about Welthauptstadt Germania he's reasonably quick to reply. "Vell, it has technically been under construction already. But of course the var has meant that progress has been sloved and ve can do more nov that the var is over. Hovever, I have advised my Boss that perhaps it is not yet time for us to begin vorking on it more heavily - the peace that has been established is very delicate, and it vould make things difficult to have the capital under construction if there is a break in the peace. And going at a slover pace may be a good idea anyvay - our tests have shovn that the ground is softer than expected, vhich means that the construction plans for the larger structures vill have to be adjusted," he explains.
And of course Italy of all people would be very familiar with what happens when you build something heavy on ground that isn't stable enough. *cough*Venice*cough*Pisa*cough*
Post by Northern Italy on Jan 14, 2017 17:58:04 GMT -7
On a state visit to Berlin, he had Mussolini had looked at the model for Germany's new capital and his Boss was clearly impressed of the plans for the world capital. Italy couldn't even begin to comprehend the massive scale of the dome that was to be made at the city's heart. Germany's new capital would rival and even beat the current world centers of the likes of London, Rome, Paris, New York...
Mussolini had looked into a similar rebuilding of Rome, but ultimately decided not to do such a thing. Until the Italian Empire had the sufficient funds and manpower, massive construction projects would not dare materialize, they already completed some Fascist themed architecture based on Ancient Rome but nothing to the scale of what the German's planned. Italy just did not have the funds to create such works of architecture, ships had to be built, territories had to be garrisoned, the military needed a complete reorganization effort... And Italy's secret weapons department needed more funding, the scientists were getting no where with the minuscule sum the regime invested into secret weapon production, they needed a breakthrough before the other powers got too far ahead of Italy.
Germany seemed happy to tell him of what was being done in the Reich in terms of the construction of "The World Capital". Though the fact that Germany is worried that the peace will not last disturbed the Italian. Was Germany already seeking another war? Sure, Italy wasn't oblivious to the fact that there was world tension, but Italy seemed to think that Germany would be the instigator of this conflict in some sort of form... Who knew what the Nazis were planning in the "Wolfs Lair".
"Ah... I see how that would be a problem. It is never a good idea to waste manpower for a future war on construction, nor is it a good idea to build on soft ground."
Eventually the cars reached their destination to the meeting place where the two nations were to discuss on matters involving the future of post war Europe. Despite the fact that they were having this meeting without the England, Italy doubted that the man had any use to be here, especially when a potential trade off of territories would be discussed.
The two found themselves in a meeting room alone, adorned with German and Italian flags and even with a large picture of their Bosses together, both seemed to watch the two of them intensely, also present in the room was an updated map of Europe and Africa, showing Germany's great gains and Italy's miserly ones. Italy would make sure he made use of these maps to try and convince Germany of an Italian sphere of influence in the Balkans and Mediterranean.
"So then." Italy began a little hesitantly. "My Boss would like to inquire on any possible land agreements for some German territories to be brought under Italian control. Notably, the entire Yugoslavian region, Corsica, Algeria and Morocco."
Italy felt like a fool when he basically asked Germany to cede the lands to him... His commitment to the war, while being a commitment none the less, was hardly spectacular to warrant him controlling lands he simply wasn't able to obtain. Italy almost seemed like a small child asking for Germany to give him lands he couldn't win militarily, so now he was making a move on them diplomatically.
Unlike Italy, Germany is far more of an engineer than an artist. When he looks at the model for the planned restructuring of his capital, he finds himself too caught up in the logistical details to really ponder upon the aesthetics. For example, he doesn't really think about how the dome will look and how impressive that will be, he thinks about what will be required to build it and how impressive that will be. In fact, it's not at all that he doesn't appreciate it as much as Italy does, it's that he appreciates a completely different part of it.
If Germany thought that they would be discussing anything that was any business of England's, he'd have suggested that England be invited to this discussion. And the same goes for Japan, for that matter. But he believes that the matters they have to discuss right now are just between the two of them, and if the discussion drifts away from that then he'll be quick to suggest that they wait until the conference to continue that line of thought - the last thing that he wants to do here is to decide anything without England that would make their ally feel like they were plotting against him. That is not something you do to an ally if you want them to continue to be your ally.
When they reach the place where they are to have their discussions, Germany finds himself silently approving. There are plenty of indications and reminders about their special relationship on hand, which is helpful to have in the background in a situation where there's a good chance of some disagreement, as well as maps to help with their discussion. Though Germany makes it a point to know his geography, he's not so perfect as to remember exactly where every border, river, and mountain range is in territory that he hasn't needed to pay attention to before. Especially borders - those change all the time.
But once they're in the room Italy finally explains what they're to discuss, which is no doubt the main reason why he wanted this meeting. And when it has been stated, Germany is silent for several moments. Which means that this is a bit of a moment of truth for Italy - already the good news is that he didn't say no immediately. Instead he's thinking about it first, so there's a chance. Of course, he still might say no, so until Germany speaks it's impossible to say for sure.
But finally he speaks, and the one word response is fortunately not 'nein'. "Vhy?" he asks, indicating with that word that this is something that he's willing to discuss, but it's certainly not obvious to him why Italy believes that he should have the lands that he listed. So it's certainly not as good of a response as a quick agreement, but it does mean that Italy is free to plead his case and try to convince him. There are plenty of other nations that wouldn't have gotten even that much after such a request.
Post by Northern Italy on Jan 18, 2017 4:10:14 GMT -7
Unlike Germany, Italy saw no use for England being a continued member within the Axis alliance. England was just another plutocratic democracy, that would eventually be doomed to fail, the British Empire was far too big to handle and England's failure to prevent Canada falling into US hands would only weaken the prestige and power of the British Empire.
In Italy's opinion, while England may still be strong for now, it was imperative that the Axis did not get tied to weakening England, hence Italy saw this as a true meeting of the new European powers. No longer would England and France decide the fate of Europe, but Germany and Italy would. Besides, Malta, Gibraltar, Egypt and Sudan were Italy's aims to capture from England.
While the Axis Powers did win the war, it only proved to Italy how unpredictable his stronger ally was. They had signed multiple agreements before the war, all had in fact been broken. The Pact of Steel? Hitler had promised Mussolini that Germany wouldn't provoke a European war for another 3 years... Germany invaded Poland 3 months later... Italy requesting natural resources from Germany? Still haven't been found in any Italian train station... A treaty identifying the Balkans as Italy's sphere of influence? Germany soon had political and direct control over most of the area.
Now Italy wasn't sure whether it was Germany's Boss who was untrustworthy or his friend's own engineering, but to be honest at this point, with friends like the Germans, who needed enemies? The fact that his friend asked why he asked for the territories almost made Italy want to laugh. Germany fully knew why...
The New Roman Empire? Any of those words ring a bell? The regions of interest were essential to Italy's claim of being the a world power, even now Fascist propaganda was trying to overstate how valuable the lands Italy had won throughout the war were when they were in fact tiny. If Italy had conquered Russia wouldn't Germany want the lands East of the Reich? "Ve~ Germany, these lands are Italian claims. And it is as simple as that. Il Duce boasts of a New Roman Empire... He wants the Mediterranean to be Mare Nostrum... Our Sea. It is not so different to your Führer's Lebensraum..."
To legitimize the claim that Italy will rule the Mediterranean Sea, the Italian Empire had built one of the largest navies in the world, only Great Britain challenged Italian naval dominance of the world by having the world's largest navy, along with blocking all of Italy's entry ways into the Atlantic or the Red Sea.
"I haveremained a faithful ally to you, Germany. We respect and acknowledge your territorial gains in the East... Undoubtedly we hope you will return the favor for our territorial interests in the disputed areas. You already have much on your hands anyway."
Little did Italy remember, that his reputation betrayed him. He had been known in the past to switch sides in wars and was known to be quite a proficient backstabber diplomatically, militarily and of course... literally.
Last Edit: Jan 18, 2017 4:11:57 GMT -7 by Northern Italy
It's true that Germany made a lot of treaties with Italy, and then didn't follow them completely or at all. Most of that is actually his Boss's fault, though Germany is not completely not to blame as well. After all, he has a habit of not really standing up to his boss at all. And another part of it is his own frustration with Italy. For example, yes, in the beginning he was fine with Italy having the Balkans. But he'd expected that Italy wouldn't need quite so much help. He'd somehow managed to personally defeat the not unsubstantial portion of them currently in his hands in spite of the fact that he'd just conquered France, and he still managed to have enough left in him to get Russia's entire family. So he doesn't think that the old agreement is exactly reasonable, given the circumstances.
Still, Italy is his friend and he doesn't want to be unfair with him. In fact, he'd like to be extremely generous and kind. Then again, he has almost as much reason to suspect Italy now as his ally does to suspect him - neither of them exactly have the best track record. Then again, perhaps there can be honor among thieves?
After all, it doesn't really matter to him how much Italy backstabs anyone else, just so long as he doesn't backstab him. And he doesn't feel that any of the agreements that he personally broke were that big of a deal, at least not yet. So what if he started the war early? He was obviously ready for the fight, and he'd been tolerant of the fact that Italy needed more time to join into the fray. As for the resources, he'd needed them for himself - and he does intend to send them now if Italy still wants them, with apologizes for his lateness. And as for the Balkans? Well, they're discussing them now, aren't they? He hasn't exactly stabbed Italy in the back, here. Though perhaps one could argue that he's put a strain on their alliance? Then again, that accusation could be made in both ways.
As Italy explains his case, the last thing that he could say is that Germany isn't giving his words careful consideration. It's written all over his expressions that he's listening closely and is thoroughly mulling it all over. Even when Italy is finished Germany pauses for a few moments before he speaks, not wanting to rush himself. "But it is not as simple as all of that," he replies, "I fully recognize that you have a claim on these lands - they are a legacy of your grandfather - but vhy are they currently in my hands? Because they vere bought vith German blood, and for that reason I nov have a claim on them as vell. Are you asking me to simply hand them over as if that means nothing?"
Turning from Italy to the maps he so helpfully provided, he makes a gesture over the Mediterranean Sea, commenting, "And vhile I understand that you vish to claim the entire Mediterranean for yourself, think of this from my perspective: the more of its coasts that are yours, the more my access southvards is cut off. It may not be a part of the Lebensraum, but as things have now worked out, I have a lot of territory now in Africa, the Middle East, and I need easy access to and from the Black Sea." He points at each area he's talking about as he mentions it, specifically to those areas that Italy has not said are under dispute - he'll obviously still want to be able to reach them easily even if he were to give his friend absolutely everything he's asking for.
Having made that point, he looks back over at Italy and says, "Because of all of this ve vill be needing a nev agreement." Which he's immediately certain that Italy won't like to hear, given his track records with agreements. Then again this is peacetime, and for that reason alone the world is more predictable and he ought to be able to be more reliable about living up to his promises. Of course, it would be perfectly fair of Italy to question how much that can be trusted at this point, but that is something they also need to work out.
Post by Northern Italy on Jan 27, 2017 21:26:57 GMT -7
So Germany was going to play the "my men died" card? Sadly Italy was not going to accept such an outrageous excuse. In fact he was almost insulted. If Germany was going to use this as some sort of argument against his proposals then he was seriously going to question whether Germany was sane or not.
Those lands under German control were under German control because he simply got to invade them first! Just because German lives had been lost didn't mean for a second that his ally had any entitlement to them! If Germany was going to play such an idiotic card, then Italy would play one of his own! To him this meeting was a business deal, he didn't care who got to these lands first he wanted them and he'd pay Germany handsomely for these gains.
"You may forget Germany, that I also had these lands when I was a child as well. When I was representing Venice? Venetians died for those lands, are you insisting I simply just let you take the Adriatic coastline? You also forget about the Great War, many Italians died on those mountains for the lands we were promised by the Entente...
I have still to see them under Italian control. Are you saying that all those thousands of Italians died on the Isonzo for nothing? If that is your counter argument Germany I suggest you find something else, because I have had a much longer history in this region, with many stories of my people dying for these lands.
In fact, when I represented Genoa I had control of Crimea! Should I control Crimea? I mean... Are you saying that Genoese blood was spilled for no reason?"
He hadn't invited Germany here to lose the negotiations, he had invited Germany to Monaco to hand him over what was rightfully his! If Germany didn't respect that, then they had better come up with a new agreement that would save the Pact of Steel being broken in favor for an alliance with the Americans or British. While his friend had a point with the situation with Africa, it was still all too hard to swallow for Italy, he was at risk of being cut off from Italian East Africa! If Britain rejected him entry out of the Mediterranean, he could no longer supply his own colony!
Hitler was a loose canon and because he was a loose canon, so was Germany. Fortunately their Bosses were good friends and conflict would be very unlikely, but it was the future that worried him. The Germans had already shown that they had no issue breaking treaties, so Italy is very wary when Germany says that they need a new agreement.
"Ve~ What sort of agreement Germany? One where I just give up my claims, shut up, go home and eat pasta? The war has not been well received in my nation, Germany. The people don't want to hear that thousands of Italians were lost in a war of minimal gain."
When Italy begins such an impassioned speech about the history of his claim on the lands that they're discussing, it doesn't take Germany very long to spot the giant, glaring hole in his logic. But he forces himself to be patient and let his friend say everything he has to say about it. After all, negotiations such as these should never be rushed. And the last thing that he would want is to walk away with this with Italy feeling like he wasn't listened to. He'd also like to walk away with his ally feeling fully satisfied with the result, but that is more negotiable.
After all, in spite of the attempt to downplay the blood spilled for the lands currently in his possession, he doesn't feel that it's a bad argument to make for why he has a claim to them. And when Italy finishes speaking, he immediately justifies it by pointing out the large hole that he spotted earlier. "If you had control over Crimea, hov is it possible that I have it nov but I got it vithout taking it from you? In fact, I have taken nothing that vas in your hands avay from you. It seems that all of those men that you mentioned did die in vain, vell before I had anything at all to do vith it," he points out. Not that he really wants to point out his ally's previous failures to hang onto territory in the past, but if he's going to be so dismissive of who actually put in the work to obtain it during the war then Germany will retaliate by being a bit harsh himself.
However, he didn't come here to fight with his friend. It would be easy for him to make the case that Italy deserves nothing. But is that what he should do? Is that what he wants to do? He finds himself uncertain, though he suspects that is not the correct choice in this situation. But he's also certain that giving Italy everything he's asking for is also not the correct choice. Fortunately, this isn't an all or nothing situation - it's not like they're having a disagreement about something that can't be subdivided. Or at least that's the direction he finds himself inclined to take in order to resolve this dispute. But will his friend agree?
But first he comments, "Vell, neither my people or my Boss vould be happy to hear that land that ve fought for vas given avay for nothing! But don't misunderstand - I am not saying no. I'm saying that ve both have claims. And ve vill need to vork this out. Perhaps ve can vork out a compromise?" Turning to look at the map again, he adds, "And perhaps it vould help us to talk about each of these lands you are claiming one at a time. That vould be easier than talking about it all at once as if it vas one place."
Post by Northern Italy on Jan 28, 2017 22:08:19 GMT -7
If Germany had thought that his friend would walk out of this room satisfied, he was very, very wrong. If Germany was not going to accept all of his claims, then this conversation was done. Italy had always followed a philosophy of "all or nothing", to him, there was no point for there to be any compromise, Germany was going to either give him a yes or a no, he had adamantly said no, in the Italian's opinion and now the matter was finished. With any luck, some Yugoslavian will assassinate Hitler.
Could Italy even consider Germany an ally anymore? Perhaps an agreement with America and England would be much more worthwhile then anything to do with the German. At least they were not stubborn, arrogant and hard headed fools, if Italy was going to ever grow stronger, it was an alliance with those two that would help Italy get what he wanted, it seemed very clear to Italy at least, that Germany only wanted to keep him down.
England, unlike Germany was more of an important country to be on the good side of, if he didn't get along well with the island nation, Italy's trade and supply lines to the world and Italian East Africa would die. Yes... England would be a better ally than Germany could ever be.
Waving his hand dismissively, the Italian refused the German's offer for a compromise or new deal. What was Germany's idea? Sharing the lands like a divorced couple? Germany would probably get the weekdays, while Italy got the weekends? Forget it... The last thing Italy wanted was to sign another piece of paper with his so called ally.
"Germany forget it, I didn't come here for compromise, no means no. There is no need to talk about this topic anymore... Now! What else is on the agenda?"
With the events of the previous conversation, Italy was not going to tell Germany of Operzaione Sole whatsoever... He'll invade the Middle East without that idiot lecturing him or even better... Form his own military alliance with the Middle Eastern nations exclusively, Italy was no longer content with playing second fiddle to Germany.
When his offer of a compromise is treated so dismissively, the German is very quiet for several moments. Mostly because he isn't sure at first how to react - not because he doesn't feel anything about it, but the exact opposite: he feels too many contradictory things at once and is uncertain which feeling dominates. There is disbelief, irritation, anger, even a bit of sadness and hurt. Of course, the feeling that eventually reaches the surface should be of no surprise to anyone to knows the smallest thing about Germany: anger.
Muttering something to himself in his own language, Germany shakes his head and then turns toward Italy. "Forget it?!?" he yells, advancing toward Italy, "You imbecile! You moron! I come all the vay here, and vhy? So you can demand that I just hand very valuable land over to you? Land that you couldn't get yourself? You are an arrogant fool! I really should have just said 'no'! Because apparently our alliance means nothing to you!"
"A compromise is not good enough for you?!?" he rages, yelling in Italy's face, "Vell, excuse me, sir! I forgot that I'm talking to the great and poverful heir to the almighty Rome vho couldn't even take Greece vithout my help! I should have kept him too, but instead I vas foolish enough to believe that I vas helping my ally. But you must not be my ally because my effort, my blood, and years of cooperation means nothing to you! You should be thanking me for all the help I gave you, not making demands!"
He turns away, starting to pace through the room. "Arrogant... Ungrateful..." he says, speaking more quietly and more from the heart now that the height of his fury has passed, "And here I vas ready to talk it over vith you... Prepared to give you at least some of vhat you asked for just because I thought that ve vere friends. But ve're not, are ve? I should have knovn... You vere lying to me from the beginning veren't you? Using me because you knev that I could vin this var and that you vould benefit if you vere on my side. Vell, that vas my mistake - there is no such thing as real friendship betveen nations, is there?"
Post by Northern Italy on Jan 29, 2017 17:31:49 GMT -7
By the time Germany had stopped shouting, Italy was still trying to register what he had done wrong. He just rejected any compromise for Germany to hand him territory, did Germany want him to take land? However his attempts to find out about what he had actually done wrong, quickly gave way to intense rage. Did Germany really say that he was arrogant? Did he actually claim that he needed help with Greece? The hypocrisy that Germany was shouting at him was almost enough for the Italian to stab at his friend with his knife... Yet he couldn't.
If he stabbed Germany, then the Italian Empire was doomed. Sure the Italian navy could crush the German one in the Mediterranean, sure the North Italian Alpine Defensive Line could hold back the German army, for a few weeks or months... However, defeat was inevitable. It would be better if he remained on at least cordial terms with Germany. Italy walked over to a draw and pulled out a box of cigarettes and lit one up before replying to his ally's criticisms. He knew that Hitler hated smoking and hence that was why he did it, it was also one of the few things that actually calmed Italy down.
"Hmm, you could say that I was using you for your power, that there is no such things as real friendship between nations... Yet I decided to befriend you at a time you were weak, I out of all of Europe came to you and help you repay my brother for the Great War. I was the one assisting your rearmament. I was the one who supported your March on the Rhineland and eventually your Anschluss. I could have left you weak and watch you work for France like all of Europe did, yet I came to assist you. At the time I never realized how powerful you would get, unless you think I can see the future. Tell me... Could I have known you would become this strong in 1920?"
Slowly he walked to the window to watch the streets, as Italian soldiers marched along the sides of the near empty streets of Monaco. He was still musing at the idea that Germany thought he needed help with Greece of all nations, especially when his entire army was concentrated on that one campaign... Maybe it was a slip of the tongue? In any case, Germany clearly told Italy exactly what he thought of his army.
He turned back to Germany with a tired expression. As if he had just been woken up early in the morning and forced to run laps around a training area, that was only one of the many joys of German-Italian military cooperation training.
"Perhaps I should ask if my years of cooperation, my people's sweat, blood and tears have been appreciated by you? Despite being poorer and weaker than you, my government has just accepted Italian guest workers to work in Germany in even larger numbers than during the war, we still await for German coal to enter Italian train stations... Does Hitler see me and my people as tools? To be used and when time has taken its toll, thrown away? Or does he see us as allies?"
Walking across the room he dropped tiredly onto his chair, the headache from the cold had returned again, to make things even more difficult for him, if this argument wasn't difficult enough. If this was meant to be a simple conversation, the upcoming Moscow Conference was probably going to be worse. He sighed, sometimes he really wanted to return to life before all of this, sure his leaders still wanted him and Lovino to form an African empire back then, but it wasn't the most important thing back then.
"Fine then Germany, please tell me your compromise. Though you are right... You won those lands so you may keep them. Don't let stupid and weak Italy, tell you what to do..."
Looking out at the window, he looked dreamily at the sky. Yes, life before all this... While it did have its bad moments, was beautiful.
Last Edit: Jan 29, 2017 17:40:55 GMT -7 by Northern Italy
